Dealing with anger and frustration

Tina Y. Gerber - McCurley SPECIAL TO THE STANDARD

Anger is a natural emotion that we all experience. Everyone knows that anger can have a negative impact on our physical and emotional health. We must as Christians, learn how to deal with anger in a way that honours God and promotes inner peace.

Anger is a powerful emotion that can quicky become overwhelming if left unchecked. If we are under a lot of pressure from work, have financial troubles, or difficulties within our homelife, it can be easy to become short-tempered and irritable. The physiological effects of anger can cause an increase in blood pressure, increased heart rate, along with other physical symptoms such as, heart disease, depression and anxiety.

As a Christian, I understand there are some things we are to let roll off shoulders and not dwell on. We are told in Ephesians 4:31 "to get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice." This is certainly a tall order and I am failing miserably. I am great at pushing things down, but we are told in the Bible to get rid of the anger. But how?

For my own mental health and yours we must first understand why? I lie awake at night day dreaming about my current problems, scenarios enter my head on what could happen (which I know are from the devil) leading me to impulses of wanting to yell and scream. Don't deny it you've been there too. Perhaps, we may yell and scream at someone we love and care about deeply, or say things we regret. I want to find a corn field and yell and scream until I become hoarse! However, that does not solve my problems of feeling anger and frustration. I want to start focusing on solutions, not keep reliving scenarios over and over soon as I close my eyes.

What is the reason that we may yell and scream or say things we shouldn't. For me it feels as if I am backed into a corner with this ODSP nonsense and I have no choice. I am grinding my teeth; and my hair is starting to fall out! This is a situation that landed on me but I must deal with it or it will eat me alive!

The first step is to acknowledge our inner feelings. If we want peace, we need to feel it. To fill those angry parts with love, so we are filled with inner peace, and no longer tormented with anger and/or frustration. We need to find a bridge to inner peace. I feel my situation has been triggered by past traumas and has released such intense emotions. I struggle daily but trust in God's word to replace my anger and irritation with grace.

I find prayer and meditation are essential tools that can help anyone reflect on their emotions to develop self-control. For me, prayer and meditation are powerful tools for managing anger and finding peace. Spend time in quiet reflection and seek God's guidance, to better manage you and manage your anger. When necessary, take deeps breaths, count to ten, practice relaxation techniques (I repeat The Lord's Prayer over and over because this gives me such comfort.) Sometimes, it's necessary to just walk away. Talk to your doctor, seek professional help, counseling or therapy so they can develop a personalized plan to help manage anger effectively.