ANGER

ANGER

Sight

• Eyes narrowed, glaring or squinting
• Face turning red or flushed
• Veins bulging, especially in the forehead or neck
• Jaw clenched tightly
• Fists clenched or fingers twitching
• Tense muscles, rigid posture
• Furrowed brows
• Tears welling up or eyes becoming glassy
• Rapid, exaggerated gestures

Sound

• Raised, trembling, or shouting voice
• Harsh, biting tone
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Teeth grinding
• Heart pounding or beating loudly
• Objects being slammed or thrown
• Stomping footsteps
• Short, abrupt sentences or words

Smell

• The metallic tang of blood (from biting lips or tongue)
• Sweat, sometimes with a sharp or acrid scent
• The faint odor of alcohol or tobacco if those are involved
• The smell of something burning, like from a heated argument or metaphorically burning bridges

Taste

• The taste of blood from biting the inside of the cheek or tongue
• A dry mouth, parched sensation
• The bitter taste of bile or acid reflux
• The salty taste of sweat

Touch

• Skin feeling hot or flushed
• Heart racing, pounding in the chest
• Tense or trembling muscles
• Clammy or sweaty palms
• Tingling sensation in the extremities
• The prickling sensation of hair standing on end
• A tight or heavy feeling in the chest

Internal Sensations of Anger

1. Emotional Intensity: A surge of intense and often overwhelming emotions ranging from frustration and irritation to fury and rage.
2. Cognitive Effects: Thoughts can become exaggerated and dramatic, often focused on perceived injustices, blaming others, or ruminating on triggering events.
3. Physical Reactions: Increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and a rush of adrenaline are common, which can make the body feel charged or ready for action.
4. Gastrointestinal Response: Tightness in the stomach or feeling knots, which may be accompanied by nausea.
5. Temperature Fluctuations: A sensation of heat, particularly flushing or sweating, often referred to as feeling “hot-headed.”
6. Tension: Muscle tension, particularly in the jaw, neck, or shoulders; clenched fists and grinding teeth are also common.

External Sensations of Anger

1. Facial Expressions: Frowning, glaring, or an intense stare; the face may become visibly red or flushed.
2. Voice Changes: Raising one’s voice, speaking rapidly or with a sharp, cutting tone; some might shout, while others might speak very quietly with a steely calm.
3. Body Language: Stiffening posture, aggressive gestures such as pointing or waving hands, and pacing or restlessness.
4. Behavioral Impulses: Urges to throw or break objects, slam doors, or physically lash out, although these are not necessarily acted upon.
5. Social Signals: Isolating oneself, withdrawing from conversations or social interactions, or conversely, getting confrontationally close to others.