With road rage statistics at horrifying levels, increasing numbers of murders committed out of blind rage and increasing levels of aggression and hostility, especially against women and children, we ask: “Why are South Africans so angry?”
Traffic jams, queue jumpers, motorists/cyclists who jump red traffic lights and drivers who ignore zebra crossings are high on the list of 30 things that make South Africans’ blood boil according to a health survey of more than 1300 South Africans polled by heart and stroke treatment provider, Pharma Dynamics.
When buses or trains don’t stick to schedules or get cancelled at the last minute, high petrol prices, having to pay a fee for withdrawing money from an ATM, paying for parking when you only intend to pop in to the shops quickly and seeing salaries disappear in fees and taxes are all near the top of the list.
Health threat
Health problems linked to unmanaged anger include high blood pressure, headaches, digestion problems, insomnia, increased anxiety, depression, skin problems such as eczema, heart attack and stroke. Statistics show that about 130 heart attacks and 240 strokes occur daily in South Africa, which means that 10 people will suffer a stroke and five will have a heart attack every hour. “In the two hours after an angry outburst, the chance of having a heart attack doubles,” says Dr Chris Aiken, director of the Mood Treatment Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Uncontrolled anger can also lead to arguments, physical fights, physical abuse, assault and self-harm. According to the survey, almost a third of South Africans are easily provoked. Partners, call centre agents and fellow motorists are most likely to be on the receiving end of their anger.
On the other hand, well-managed anger can be a useful emotion that motivates you to make positive changes.
Anger is a choice
According to Johannesburg clinical psychologist, Colinda Linde, “Anger is better out than in, but people must learn to let anger out at the right time, to the right person, for the right reason. Learn to channel unexpressed anger via physical exercise or the uncluttering of a space. Learn assertion, which enables you to express your needs where your rights and those of the other person are not violated”.
Wait in a queue without rolling your eyes and being snarky to the teller. Take a deep breath in the traffic jam or when you get cut off by a taxi and don’t teach your rage to your child sitting in the back seat. Speak to those around you, regardless of race, age or religion, as you would like to be spoken to.
Walk away from the situation until you cool down, recognise and accept the emotion as normal, try to pinpoint why you feel angry and come up with different strategies on how to remedy the situation.
Have an absorbing hobby, learn communication skills, journal, engage in social activities and laugh more.
Sources
http://businesstech.co.za
http://pharmadynamics.co.za
www.news24.com
www.sadag.org
www.thedailyvox.co.za