Anger is almost a natural reaction for people today. As living conditions become increasingly difficult day by day, economic challenges grow, and the pressure of work overload and being a perfect spouse-parent mounts, people's capacity to tolerate decreases daily. Consequently, moments of anger increase, while moments of happiness diminish. So, is anger a behavior that needs to be controlled or managed? Üsküdar Üniversitesi Founding Rector, Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan provides the answer to this question: 'Even in children, anger emerges naturally. Anger usually arises when an individual feels the need to defend themselves, is under threat, experiences fear, or does not feel secure. In this process, a person experiences a feeling, then reacts to this feeling, and finally, the thinking stage comes into play. Generally, because feeling comes first, followed by behavior, and finally the thinking process, a person can make mistakes,' he stated.
What do we do during anger?
Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan stated that behaviors such as sulking, frowning, shouting, yelling, or scolding occur during anger, adding, 'These can be considered as expressions of anger. In anger management training, we try to teach individuals that anger is a natural and human emotion, but also how to cope with this emotion.'
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan noted that an individual may experience anger and tension when obstructed, feels their psychological integrity threatened, or when certain principles and rules are violated. 'In such situations, it is important for the person to learn to analyze quickly. To succeed in anger management, this ability needs to be developed,' he said. Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan reminded that at the moment of anger, feelings begin first, followed by a reaction in the next step, and finally, the thinking stage is reached. 'In this situation, one should remain calm. We recommend the firefighter model in combating anger,' he added.
Firefighter Model in Anger Management: First Extinguish, Then Look for the Cause!
Stating that they recommend the firefighter model for anger, Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan said, 'First extinguish, then investigate the cause. A solution is possible once a person recognizes their anger. However, depression can manifest as irritability. This actually shows that anger can be like a disease.'
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan pointed out that a tendency towards mood disorder can increase anger. 'In the 2000s, when we first introduced magnetic stimulation therapy to Turkey, we had a patient who was depressed, didn't talk to anyone, didn't smile, and didn't respond to any drug treatment. We applied neuromodulation therapy, which is magnetic stimulation therapy, to this patient. After the treatment, they suddenly became lively but this time started shouting at their spouse. While the woman felt good, her spouse angrily told us: 'I was happier with her old state. Now she's yelling at me.' In this situation, we had to change the treatment. We applied a sleep-regulating treatment and achieved results after about 7-10 sessions. However, during this process, when emotions revived, anger also emerged. Especially, her anger towards her spouse became prominent. This type of anger is anger at a disease level,' he explained.
Do You Recognize Your Anger?
Stating that anger is often a solvable situation, Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan said, 'What is important here is for the person to be able to ask this question: 'Which of my principles or tenets has been violated?' If a person can analyze their anger and recognize the automatic thought causing this anger, they can manage their emotions in a healthier way. Anger is like nuclear energy; if channeled correctly, it protects a person from bad habits and helps them develop themselves. A person who recognizes their anger has actually taken an important step towards knowing themselves.'
Manage Your Anger!
Emphasizing that anger is an energy that needs to be managed, Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan said, 'Anger, like sexuality and reason, is one of the fundamental life energies in humans. However, these energies being at two extremes is harmful; neither their excess nor their complete absence is a healthy state. What is important is to be able to use these energies in a balanced way.'
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan also stated that situations like anger and vulnerability are opportunities for a person to know and develop themselves. 'Every event that makes us angry is, in a sense, like shedding a skin; it is an opportunity for gain and change. Therefore, we recommend that individuals develop a dual perspective during moments of anger,' he expressed.
Angry Society!
Stating that our society has become angry, Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan said, 'However, the solution to these problems is quite simple; but it requires some investment and time for these issues. Is investing in oneself less important than investing in assets, property, and money? Absolutely not. The investment we make in ourselves will be the most valuable investment, both individually and socially.'