Why Am I So Angry?
I think everyone would agree that Coronavirus has impacted all our lives. It may have caused changes in our jobs, finances, home life, routines, responsibilities, cherished activities, our health, the health of our loved ones, and simply the ability to see friends and family. I suspect these changes have spurred a variety of emotion – fear, sadness, anxiety and loneliness. For me, it’s been anger. Yet to me, anger seems a bit strange during this pandemic.
Mahatma Gandhi said, “anger and intolerance are the enemies of correct understanding.”
I had to ask myself, “why am I SO angry?” It took a bit of time and reflection before I discovered the cause; it’s related to grief. Psychiatrist Elisabeth Kubler-Ross developed a theory that there are essentially five distinct stages of grief – denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. The stages aren’t linear and can vary in length. For me, it explains the anger. On top of the crazy business environment, I am mourning (grieving) that this spring is far different than expected. You see, our daughter is a senior in college. We were supposed to go to her senior art show, celebrate with her at her honors banquet, and watch her get her diploma. I am mourning that we don’t get to celebrate this accomplishment with her.
I know we are all mourning things during this time. If anger is the emotion you are feeling, here are some quick tips to stay in control and manage your anger.
1. Admit you are angry and explore it. You might even make an angry list.
2. Give yourself time. Time to calm down. Time to understand it. Time to express it.
3. Get some exercise, take ten deep breaths or do some stretches.
4. Use humor to release the tension. Look for funny memes, YouTube videos or sitcoms.
5. Harness the anger and use it to identify possible solutions.
Let me encourage you to stay in control of your anger. Don’t let your anger control you. For me, my anger turned into a wonderful Friday night celebrating our daughter. And, if you want to see her “art” show, checkout her website at www.adesigndive.com.
Susan Rozzi is the president of Rozzi and Associates, a leadership and organizational development company helping good leaders become great! Our programs start with the premise that great leadership skills are a product of time, practice and focused development. Our leadership development, emotional intelligence insight and career management programs can be customized to meet your desired outcomes and needs. Contact Susan at susan@rozziandassociates.com.