Men, Anger, Masculinity and Stress

It’s November, a month which celebrates Movember, an annual event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s suicide. Men, a gender less discussed and often stays at the hard side of self-image without sharing much leads a life of lonesome hay-wire sides.

So, today’s blog is especially dedicated to the fact that the built is never to be alone…..

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines anger as “a strong feeling of displeasure and usually of antagonism.” Psychologist T.W. Smith agrees, saying it is “an unpleasant emotion ranging in intensity from irritation or annoyance to fury or rage.”

But being angry is different for everyone at different times. Tiny Things that ignite some people don’t bother others even a tiny bit. Yet we all experience events that makes us angry. Some of them are as follows :

Frustration and powerlessness.

Hurt and Bullying.

Harassment .

Injustice.

Exhaustion from stress .

Threats to the people, near ones, things we care about.

Extreme anger is a highly issue causing on multiple events. When someone reaches extreme levels of anger, they are unable to control themselves. This type of anger can also be a sign of a issue such as a mental health disorder, emotional issues, etc.

While women are more likely to direct their anger inwards and blaming themselves, men are more likely to lash out extremely because it helps them feel in more control of their emotions, as well as controlling the people around them.

The way men experience and express anger may be informed especially from societal expectations to behave. These notions of male masculinity tend to favour strength, dominance and control. These could result in a negative impact on men’s mental health. Also, men may be less likely than women to seek help from mental health professionals.

As these behaviours are very much linked to our culture, parents and teachers have an important role to play when boys grow up. Identifying the causes behind behaviours among boys perceived as problematic, may go a long way towards nurturing healthy adult men in the upcoming society.

Anger Management for Men Tips

Exercise regularly. Men are by default inclined towards more physical exercises and fitness regimes due to levels of testosterone. Exercise helps in release of chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin into the body, which can improve your state of mind and make one less prone to anger.

Find some quiet time. Often ignored by majority of men, these are one of the most fruitful techniques to apply. Practice relaxation techniques. Mindfulness can help to relax and cope better with stress.

Avoid alcohol. Alcohol lowers your inhibitions, and can make angry outbursts more likely.

Express emotion. A total ignorance by all the boys and men which in their thoughts reduces a sense of masculinity. Talking about feelings with a close friend or loved one, and keeping a journal. Theses simple things can often keep you away from a lot of issues.

Assert yourself. Assertiveness is not aggression. Learn to get what you want while taking account of others and respect their feelings.

Recognise yourself in anger

You think that your wife/girlfriend likes talking to her friends rather than spending that time with you.

You feel anger when your wife/girlfriend brings work home with her and you envy her success.

You are angry that you are always being criticised by your wife/girlfriend, to the point that you can’t ever seem to get it right.

Once you begin to recognise some of the deeper fears underlying your anger, you might consider the truly intimate act of talking with your wife/partner about some of your fears. This act of loving vulnerability may be very frightening to consider, but the rewards often far outweigh the risks.

After you recognise your fears and reasons of anger, talking intimately with your partner or resolving issues just by easy sense of understanding with anyone around you really helps. This vulnerability is not to be frightened of but to be faced with the masculinity you have. So, next time you feel your anger rising upwards, just take deep breaths, think twice, is it really needed and then see the moment you might have missed….