Hello
I experience some bizarrely placed irrational anger sometimes as part of my health problems. Usually it’s a minor frustration or a fright and my body (that usually frequents the “flight” and “freeze” reactions) will clamber right on into “FIGHT!” mode.
I have three go-to coping methods. I’m not sure they’re the healthiest options, or even sensible, but they work for me when it’s the feeling I’m trying to get rid of rather than a real underlying problem (especially when my underlying problem is just being, well, moody)
1: Comedy, comedians, funny things. Something about laughing seems to get that awful tight ball of energy off my chest. Especially useful if I’ve been carrying some rage around all day.
2: Pictures of cute baby animals on the internet. It’s hard to stay angry at little baby goats bouncing happily in meadows. Maybe just me? Substitute for your own preferred happy/calming images?
3: Inventing a ridiculous background story. Potty humour recommended. People being impolite really gets my goat on an angry day. I’ll tell myself they had to cut in line because they just pooped their pants, and they’re worried it’s going to fall out their pant leg. I’ll just keep adding to the story until I feel better. They pooped their pants because they were so tired this morning they fed the dog cereal and ate the dog food without noticing. Etc.
Bonus Item: Sometimes if I’m at home and something stupid gets in my way (cheese slices stuck together? No more vegemite?) I get to shout “I’M IRRITABLE” and my partner will give me a sympathetic pat and cheer me on as I berate the offending item. Maybe not as useful as addressing an underlying problem, but helpful in the short term.
I guess, overall, I try not to take my anger too seriously. It’s tempting to attach it to a person or situation, but most of the time if I reflect on it later it really wasn’t a big deal. Sometimes there’s some resentment or shame hiding underneath, but more often just not enough breakfast.
Best of luck finding healthy outlets!
