Aggression
Introduction
Aggression is an overwhelming feeling that gets in the way of rational thinking and problem solving. It's common that if you're dealing with ongoing aggression it's because you feel that you are not getting what you deserve within a given circumstance. By adopting strategies and diagnosing the root cause of an issue, you will gain a deeper understanding as to why the response is occurring and how you can resolve it.
Psychology defines aggression as a response aimed toward someone or something that appears to be threatening. If you get angry toward a situation that is defeating you it usually has an inherent meaning. When you feel this way it could also be due to the fact that you assume you're correct. You may hope that this energy breaks a barrier that is keeping you from reaching your personal goal. While anger can definitely be used constructively it can also cloud your judgment and produce stress. Prolonged anger can even have an effect on our cardiovascular health.
When Aggression Can Harm Us
Aggression harms us when it begins to destroy our ability to control a reaction and respond in a rational manner. Aggression appears violent and when it is exposed within relationships it can tear two people apart. There are many of us who react to overwhelming situations that cause the circumstance to worsen. Aggression harms us when it takes an extreme and violent toll. If it happens often over small issues there might be a deeper problem that hasn't been resolved. When any reaction is extreme and excessive it's challenging to understand why the behavior acts as an immediate response. When it has pushed everyone away from you it has reached a point in which the behavior is taking control. Counseling will help you deal with this and understand that will be able to conquer it once you have the resources to do so.
If you feel that you hold onto anger or feelings of hurt by getting back at another person then it's likely that the aggression will begin to damage meaningful relationships. You may start using a fairness doctrine which isn't very effective in relationships. Holding onto this feeling can be a burden toward yourself and others. If the goal that you have is to change someone else's behavior you might use rewards and punishments. By administering this out of revenge you are conducting your anger the wrong way. You'll need to state your reasons instead of punishing the person to avoid damaging yourself and meaningful support systems.
Effects of Aggression on Other Relationships
An aggressive relationship can create depression and tempers can cause an increased amount of stress. The most effective and longstanding relationships are between partners who are able to sit and talk about what's bothering them in a rational manner without putting a blame on one another. Without the calmness needed for problem solving, relationships can be abused and taken advantage of. The other person may assume that how they feel is unimportant to you. By blaming someone and being aggressive toward them during disagreements there isn't any negotiating present. Although yelling happens in relationships, an excessive amount of blame and rage can damage trust and bondage. Until two people have learned how to create a confiding bond and understand what the other person is expressing - the trust will continue to crumble. Both partners need emotional support and aggression is a selfish expression aimed toward defeat. It's likely that this aggression also puts a burden on more than one person. If you're family and friends are aware of your attempt in trying to control your response, it can work as a strong support system. With more help from peers you won't feel alone as you're trying to make positive changes. Therapy can help you get past this almost involuntary response by releasing tension and anger that's been building up inside of you.
How Therapy Helps
Counseling will help you if you're currently suffering from aggression and rage. Through problem solving and using relaxation techniques that the counselor teaches you, you will begin to recognize a situation before you assume that the circumstance is threatening. By focusing on the trigger that is causing your aggression you can also consider whether or not your point is rational or a result of invalid fears. It's easy to blame someone else but it often puts you in a much worse position than if you were to have resolved it with a clear head. Counseling helps you understand triggers and why they occur. By learning problem solving techniques you will define these problems and observe your actions. With the help of a counselor you can work to get rid of these communication issues by first finding the root cause of aggression and then releasing any deep feelings that might be associated with your anger.
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