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Post pandemic rage -

According to 10 years of data compiled by Gallup World Poll, and analyzed by the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation), women were angrier than men in 2021.

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Post pandemic rage -

This gap got bigger during the pandemic years, with women scoring six points higher than men at the end of the 10-year period.

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Conditioning -

Little girls are often conditioned out of expressing anger, as it's seen as unacceptable to shout and scream. In contrast, for the most part, crying is tolerated.

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Conditioning -

Historically, crying has been more associated with being "feminine," whereas shouting and yelling have traditionally been seen as more "masculine" expressions of emotion.

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Acceptable emotions and gender roles -

This is something we carry into adulthood in the patriarchal society model: just as men are not allowed to express vulnerability or sadness publicly, women are expected to be nice and docile.

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Changing attitudes -

As conversations around gender stereotypes and roles become more open, we are becoming more aware as a society of the way unconscious conditioning has affected both sexes.

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The age of rage -

In the past few years, the overwhelming amount of negative news of injustices happening worldwide has taken a toll on many people. Social media means we're never far from something to feel justifiably angry about.

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The age of rage -

While this anger is publicly expressed and is a reflection of the political and social climate of our times, repressed rage is more insidious.

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Repressed anger - It's the kind of anger that simmers beneath the surface, growing bigger and bigger, without having an outlet for release.

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Repressed anger -

This kind of boiling rage is repressed until it spills over, typically onto those closest to us: family, friends, or a partner.

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Small-scale, anger inducing events -

In our personal lives, there are a myriad of small-scale experiences that undermine confidence, leave someone feeling unappreciated, or lacking a sense of resolution.

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A psychological perspective - Psychotherapist Dr. Sarah Cox has released a book about this subject, 'Women Are Angry: Why Your Rage is Hiding and How to Let it Out.'

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A psychological perspective -

It takes a look at the phenomenon of suppressed female rage, and how it can come to the surface with toxic consequences. 

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How it presents -

She describes having observed these feelings initially presenting in her practice through other symptoms, including IBS, migraines, depression, and anxiety.

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How it presents -

However, once she gets clients to go deeper than the surface symptoms of what's happening in their lives, there is a well of unwitnessed feeling that wants to come out.

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Unconscious -

By its nature, repressed anger is denied, avoided, or pushed down, in a psychological process that's largely unconscious.

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Unconscious -

Anger is a secondary emotion, usually in reaction to situations that are stressful, upsetting, or unfair. Repressed anger is avoided unintentionally.

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The causes of repressed anger -

Trauma in childhood can cause someone to internalize the anger that they felt when they were powerless. If it wasn't safe to discuss feelings growing up, it's a natural consequence.

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The causes of repressed anger -

However, there are other environmental and genetic factors associated with repressed anger. Some of these include: having perfectionist/neurotic tendencies, struggling with mental health difficulties, abusing substances, experiencing chronic trauma, having traumatic brain injuries, being a people pleaser, or having high levels of shame.

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Negative effects -

Repressed anger can have harmful physical effects, such as high blood pressure, insomnia, heart problems, higher risk of addictions and chronic illnesses.

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Negative effects -

It can also lead to difficulty concentrating, poor work performance, feeling numb/apathetic, lower quality relationships, and/or less open and honest communication. 

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Understanding the source -

The first step in addressing underlying rage is analyzing your life to find the source of your anger. Anger is usually drawing attention to something in your life that you need to address.

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Feel where the emotion is in your body -

Watching for when and why your body becomes tense can help you identify the source of your anger. Anger might show up in the body as tightness in the chest, insomnia, headache, weak limbs, sore muscles, or fatigue.

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Begin to journal -

Journaling helps you access your subconscious thoughts and feelings, to gain deeper self-awareness. It can help you to get to the root of what's making you angry, if you're struggling to understand what's causing the emotion.

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Find a physical outlet -

Certain physical sports can be really helpful with processing the anger of emotion on a physical level. Lifting weights, boxing, doing push-ups, running, or cycling can help. 

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Cut back on "numbing" strategies -

Activities such as drinking, shopping, or watching TV help to numb our feelings. But this might leave you more confused about how you feel afterward. Try to allow yourself to feel your feelings by cutting back on these "numbing" behaviors. 

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy -

Psychotherapeutic techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can teach you how to recognize your triggers and coping skills to deal with them when they arise. 

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Lifestyle change -

Ultimately, an overhaul of lifestyle changes is needed. It might sound daunting, but with a commitment to facing feelings of rage head-on and adopting strategies to process them, you can begin to manage your rage healthily. 

Sources: (The Guardian) (Choosing Therapy)

See also: Individual psychology: How you can be happy today

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