Seeing Anger in a Different Light

Written by Jill Connors, MSW, LISW

Anger often gets a bad rap. It’s seen as disruptive, volatile, even dangerous. So much so that many people instinctively suppress it.

But like every emotion, anger has a purpose. It’s not just a reaction; it’s a messenger. Anger signals that something important has been violated—our boundaries, our values, our sense of justice—and urges us to act.

Throughout history, anger has been a catalyst for profound social change. When channeled constructively, it becomes a force for justice. Martin Luther King Jr., for example, didn’t shy away from the anger he felt in the face of injustice. Instead, he paired it with reason, compassion, and strategy to lead one of the most transformative movements in American history.

Anger often calls us to stand up—for ourselves, for others, for what’s right. That can feel intimidating, even risky. But when we respond to anger with courage and clarity, it can strengthen our relationships, deepen our self-respect, and support our mental well-being.

It’s important to distinguish anger from resentment. Resentment is corrosive, not because of anger itself, but because of anger left unspoken and unresolved. Suppressed anger festers, turning into bitterness. Expressed anger, on the other hand, can be a doorway to healing, honesty, and change.

Just as anger can be a signal, empathy, love, and acceptance can be the balm.

When we meet our own anger—or someone else’s—with empathy, we create space for understanding rather than escalation. Love doesn’t mean ignoring anger; it means holding it with compassion, recognizing the pain or fear beneath it. Acceptance allows us to feel anger without shame—to acknowledge it as part of the human experience. These qualities don’t erase anger, but they soften its edges and guide it toward connection rather than conflict.

In today’s political climate, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by anger—whether at injustice, division, or the noise of constant conflict. Without healthy outlets, many of us have let our anger fester.

Therapy can help you understand and express your anger. You can learn how to channel it in ways that align with your values and find peace without losing your voice.

If you’re ready to see your anger in a different light, reach out to Meadowlark. Our expert clinicians are here to help.