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PTSD and Anger

Table of Contents


Overview

Anger can be a normal response to a traumatic event. Anger gives you energy to act quickly and help yourself or others. Your body goes into a "survival" mode. After the event, when you no longer need to act, the anger usually goes away.

But if you have PTSD, your anger may get out of control. You may lose your temper and may feel like harming others or yourself.

When you have PTSD, you can get stuck in a "ready to act" mode. When something bothers you, you may not think about the situation before acting. You may go into survival mode, and your anger may flare up.

If you are stuck in this mode:


How can you manage anger when you have PTSD?

The first step to managing anger is to be more aware of it. Note the thoughts, feelings, and emotions that you have when you get angry. Practice noticing these signs of anger when you are calm. If you are more aware of the signs of anger, you can take steps to manage it. Here are a few tips:


Credits for PTSD and Anger

Current as of: June 24, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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