They Say Anger Can Be Good

Because I have PTSD anger is one of the challenges I have had to cope with even after years of counseling. 

Anger management classes armed me with methods to control my anger. 

Nevertheless, anger hasn't entirely disappeared from my emotional responses and - as a matter of fact - I still embrace moderate anger to this day.

Let me explain. Anger is not just aggressive action. It often provides us with information that allows us to better engage with the world around us (as well as ourselves). 

If we see anger as something that makes us more informed, we can adapt our response accordingly to better our position according to researchers. 

To this end, here is a list of benefits anger can provide when the appropriate level of the emotion is attained.

(List published by GoodTherapy.org)

1. Anger is designed to promote survival. Our fight response, which evolved so we could defend ourselves from an enemy or danger, stems from anger.

2. Anger's discharge is calming. Anger helps you cope with stress by first discharging the tension in your body, and by doing so it calms your "nerves."

3. Anger provides a sense of self control.

4. Anger energizes us,

5. Anger motivates us to solve problems.

6. Anger makes us aware of injustice.

7. Anger drives us toward our goals.

8. Anger injects optimism.

9. Anger protects our values and beliefs.

10. Anger is a bargaining tool.

11. Anger increases cooperation by making you stand up for yourself.

12. Anger improves negotiating positions.

13.Anger covers painful feelings.

14. Anger pushes us to reach a deeper self.

15. Anger can lead to self-improvement.

16. Feeling anger enhances emotional intelligence.

Despite an unfavorable reputation, the concept of constructive anger (who knew?) is gaining more empirical support from researchers and can have a beneficial role in our lives. 

As it Stands, Needless to say, it's nice to know that I can still get angry sometimes without feeling guilty.