Why do we get angry? Well. If you ask me my answer would be.. because I am hungry!

According to the Cognitive Behavior Theory, anger is a consequence of many causes such as cognitive, social/or behavioral models that we have learned from others, the lack of social skills and problem solving strategies, and several biological factors. The main cause of anger is represented by our irrational perceptions and evaluations of situations when our rights and goals are apparently broken. Put in simpler terms, thoughts are the underlying factor of anger.

WHAT ARE ITS COMMON CAUSES:

Let's break it down..

• Facing a threat to ourselves or our loved ones
• Being verbally or physically assaulted
• Suffering a blow to our self-esteem or our place within a social group
• Being interrupted when pursuing a goal
• Losing out when money is at stake
• Someone going against a principle that we consider important
• Being treated unfairly and feeling powerless to change this
• Feeling disappointed by someone else or in ourselves
• Having our property mistreated

And the major contributor to anger goes to:

1. Overactive thyroid, also known as hyperthyroidism, is a condition that is much more common in women. Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone. It can also be the reason you are consistently shouting at your children and significant others. According to Dr. Neil Gittoes, an endocrinologist at University Hospitals Birmingham and BMI the Priory Hospital, Birmingham, the thyroid hormone affects everything that has to do with your metabolism. It also can increase your restlessness, nervousness and can cause difficulty concentrating.

2. High Cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease, the leading cause of death in America. However, statins which are widely prescribed for high cholesterol can also lead to someone losing their temper. In a study conducted by the University of California researchers found that statins are linked to lower levels of serotonin, which can lead to an increase in depression and anger.

3. Diabetes, affects nearly more than 20 million people in America. Not receiving the adequate amount of blood sugar can also increase one's anger. An imbalance in sugar levels leads to an imbalance of chemicals in the brain such as serotonin. This can lead to aggression, anger, confusion and even panic attacks.

 

Last but not least, the ultimate kicker of Mother Nature, that dreadful

4. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Due to the imbalance of hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, women become more irritable and increasing anger. According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, your mood can change during the last two weeks of your menstrual cycle as well as two weeks before your period.

Then how should we control our anger??

 

here are the following tips:

 

Techniques to Control Your Anger

Controlling anger can be a challenge for all of us. The good news is that there are many techniques you can employ to get a handle on the situation. When anger strikes, consider the following 10 anger management tips.^[7]

1. Take a timeout
   Defuse your temper by slowing down. Before you react, take a moment or two to breathe deeply and count to 10. If necessary, step away from the person or situation until your frustration subsides.
2. Once you're calm, express your anger
   With a cool head and calmed emotions, state your concerns and needs clearly and directly, but in a non-confrontational way. Don't try to control the other party or hurt them.
3. Get some exercise
   As your anger builds, but before it erupts, take a brisk walk, a healthy run or engage in some other favorite physical activity. Stimulating your brain chemicals can leave you feeling happier and more relaxed than you were before you worked out.
4. Think before you speak
   Before you say something you'll soon regret, hold off for just a few moments, collect your thoughts and allow others involved in the situation to do the same.
5. Identify possible solutions
   It's natural to focus on what made you mad or upset. Instead, assess the situation and remind yourself that anger isn't the answer and won't lead to a solution. In fact, it might make matters worse. So next time your kid's messy room drives you crazy, close the door. If your partner is late for dinner every night, then set your meals later in the evening or eat on your own a few times a week.
6. Stick with 'I' statements
   Criticizing and placing the blame on others might only increase the tension. Instead, use specific "I" statements to describe the problem in a respectful way. For example, say, "I'm upset that you didn't take out the garbage this morning," instead of, "You never take out the garbage when it's full."
7. Don't hold a grudge
   Forgive. Don't let anger and other negative feelings crowd out the positive ones. Avoid being swallowed up by your own bitterness or sense of injustice. If you can forgive someone who angered you, you both might learn from the situation. It's unrealistic to expect everyone to behave exactly as you want at all times.
8. Use humor to release tension
   Lightening up the situation can help diffuse tension. However, avoid using sarcasm as it can hurt feelings and make matters worse.
9. Practice relaxation skills
   Exercise those relaxation techniques when your temper flares. Practice deep-breathing exercises, imagine a relaxing scene, or repeat a calming word or phrase, such as, "Take it easy." You might also listen to music, write in a journal or do a few yoga poses - whatever it takes to encourage relaxation.
10. Know when to seek help
    Controlling anger is challenging to everyone at times. Consider seeking help for anger issues if your anger seems out of control, causes you to do things you regret or hurts those around you. You might explore local anger management classes or anger management counseling.

source: http://www.therapists.com/fundamentals/anger