Why So Much Anger? What Is The Antidote?

There is a certain shock value in realizing how much anger is brewing in the world today. It seems to be increasing, as the polarizations become more fringe-like on both sides. After awhile the fringe is flapping in the wind. The credibility is frayed, regardless of what side of the pendulum a person or political party is on. Things cannot get so polarized – if there is only one pole.

Intense anger is usually the result of fear. When a person gets fearful, there is an adrenalin rush, which triggers a survival instinct. The extra adrenalin prepares us for flight or fight. It’s pretty basic. Some people flee, some fight.

On all levels, we do the flight or fight or a regular basis. Taking a brisk walk after an argument, or withdrawing into your own space – are the milder forms of flight or fight.

Without a doubt, peace is the antidote. Most of all, peace of mind. Where does the angst come from? Our minds. Eventually it gets vaulted into words and actions. So the healthiest way to handle anger, is to talk about it early, or take a break if it is too volatile to talk about. It is probably best to talk about a grievance when calm, although it hardly ever works out that way. But if it is left to fester, it grows, instead of being dealt with quickly and efficiently, so you can get back to peace and harmony.

On a relationship level, there are compromises and negotiations all the time. What we are seeing now regarding an increase in anger, is related to overall instability, and negative news. Daily doses of news about crime, death, covid, isolation, change, insecurity, loss of routines, loss of finances for many, loss of exercise outlets, loss of socialization, and the loss of support systems in health care, communities, etc. No doubt all the covid news contributes to fear and anger.

Most of all, the anger is political. The political extremism, rapid changes, restrictions, lockdowns, and various other worries, leads to anger. Words have a great deal to do with organized anger. A powerful speaker can whip up a crowd, as we have all seen.

It really does bring to mind, the power of words. Freedom of speech is an important liberty, but for those who gain an audience, it is a significant responsibility.

We should always seek peace. We do have to assert ourselves and stand firm on certain subjects. But then, the quicker we can return to love, peace and harmony within ourselves, the better.

All causes and things we are against should be articulated, and framed into an intelligent debate, or open conversation – where each side is willing to listen to the other. Both sides must be heard. Listening to each other is what creates balance and tolerance. The one party system, one side of the story, judgement without trial, refusal to hear the other side, deception, oppression, dominance, and control – are key contributors to anger.

There is absolutely no room for, or reason, to have any kind of violence. Violence is primitive. It is like there is a short circuit, and once unleashed, it becomes like a wildfire.

Whatever the stressors contributing to an increase in anger, it is important to value everything good in our lives. We have to rely on faith, as opposed to fear. First of all, do not fear what is not happening. It is amazing how quickly we conjure up the what ifs and worry about everything from health, to crime, to money. I think it helps to be able to do what you can and then set it aside.

Also, don’t let the media get the upper hand. Skim, filter, apply, and let the rest go like water off a duck’s back. I have a background in health care, so I find it interesting in some ways. There are some rapid changes in health care. My objective is to stay out of the system completely if possible. Not only is it germ-laden, but the system itself is rapidly losing efficacy.

The best anti-anger antidote is to avoid letting it spiral, especially letting it spiral out of control. Self-control and higher reasoning is the key.

It is difficult to know how to deal with neurochemistry since we have no real control over the adrenalin rush, or the emotion itself. It’s just better to evaluate it from a stable perspective and save yourself the cortisol damage.

Since fear is often the root cause of anger – faith and courage are the antidotes. Patience and self-control increase our level of refinement and coping. Deep breath….

Of course, it never hurts to say you are sorry!