Finding Calm: Anger Management Support in Leeds
When we feel angry, our body goes through a series of physical changes designed to protect us. Anger activates the fight-or-flight response, a survival mechanism that prepares us to face a threat.
Feeling overwhelmed at school or work, something not going as expected, or plans changing unexpectedly, can also trigger our fight-or-flight response.
What happens?
1. The Brain Sounds the Alarm
The amygdala (the part of the brain that processes emotions) senses a threat and sends a distress signal to the rest of the body. The rational brain (the prefrontal cortex) is often bypassed, which is why anger can feel so immediate and intense.
2. Stress Hormones Surge
The body releases adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones:
Increase heart rate
Raise blood pressure
Send more blood to the muscles
This prepares your body to either fight or flee—even if you're just sitting in traffic or having a difficult conversation.
3. Physical Symptoms Appear
You might notice:
Tense muscles (especially jaw, shoulders, and fists)
Rapid breathing
A flushed or hot face
Clenched teeth or tight jaw
Shaking or feeling jittery
A churning stomach or headache
These are your body’s way of getting ready for action.
4. Thinking Becomes Narrower
Blood flow shifts away from the thinking parts of your brain to the survival systems. This can make it hard to think clearly, problem-solve, or even hear what someone else is saying. It’s why people often say or do things in anger that they wished they hadn’t later.
5. Shame can often follow Anger
Once the body begins to regulate and the “Thinking Brain” comes back online. Shame can often emerge later.
Shame can sound like:
"Why did I react like that again?"
"I should’ve handled that better."
"I’ve messed everything up."
"I’m too much for people."
“I am the worst person”
“If only …..”
It’s a heavy, inward-turning feeling. While anger pushes outwards, shame pulls us in. It often leaves people feeling embarrassed, regretful, or disconnected from others. It can be challenging to talk about what has happened and the reasons why. With a promise to try better the next time, the circle begins again.
At Lighthouse Therapy Hub, we see shame not as a sign of weakness, but as a sign you care. Shame often shows up when your reaction doesn’t match your values. This can be a powerful starting point for healing. We work gently with both emotions, helping you understand them rather than get stuck in cycles of blame or guilt.
How We Can Help
We offer tailored anger management support in Leeds for adults, teens, and children. This might involve:
Understanding your anger triggers
Exploring the ‘why’ beneath the emotion
Building calming strategies and coping tools
Reconnecting with how you want to respond, not just react
Our sessions are grounded in compassion. Whether it’s one-to-one creative therapy or family support, or a child-friendly approach using creative tools, we’ll find what works best for you or your family.
How Movement Can Help With Anger
One powerful and often overlooked tool in managing anger is movement. When we’re angry, our body is flooded with stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol designed to prepare us for “fight or flight.” Movement helps release that built-up energy, bringing the nervous system back into balance.
You don’t need to hit the gym or run a marathon—simple things can make a real difference:
A brisk walk outside to clear your head
Shaking out your arms or legs to release tension
Stretching to connect back to your breath and body
