
Sodiq Ojuroungbe
Mental health experts have stated that repeated outbursts of anger in relationships may be less about present frustrations and more about painful pasts buried in childhood.
The psychiatrists stressed that unresolved trauma from childhood should not be ignored, especially when it begins to affect personal relationships and daily functioning.
Speaking exclusively to PUNCH Healthwise, the physicians linked uncontrolled adult rage and anger issues to traumatic experiences during childhood.
They warned that individuals who suffered emotional neglect, physical abuse, or psychological trauma as children are more likely to grow into angry, irritable adults.
A psychiatrist at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, Dr. Samuel Aladejare, warned that children exposed to consistent trauma, such as domestic violence, verbal abuse, disasters, or emotional neglect, are at risk of growing into adults who are easily provoked and chronically angry.
According to him, growing up in an unstable or hostile home environment plays a critical role in shaping a child’s emotional development.
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He pointed out that early parental separation, time spent in foster or institutional care, or ongoing exposure to conflict can all leave lasting psychological scars.
He explained, “Such individuals may struggle with managing their emotions and experience difficulties in their relationships as adults.
“When children are repeatedly exposed to conflict or violence, stress hormones like cortisol are frequently released. This puts a strain on vital organs and can lead to conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, ulcers, and even stroke, especially in those who are already predisposed.”
Aladejare emphasised the importance of recognising the lasting impact of childhood trauma.
“The first step is to acknowledge that the traumatic experience occurred and that it still affects your life. Often, these memories and emotional wounds are buried in the subconscious, but they continue to influence how we react to people and situations,” he noted.
He advised that once the trauma is acknowledged, seeking professional help becomes vital.
He said a mental health specialist can guide individuals through appropriate therapy, which may involve revisiting the traumatic experiences in a safe setting, learning coping mechanisms, and addressing the emotional roots of the anger.
Also, a UK-based consultant psychiatrist with the National Health Service in Southampton, Dr. Jide Jeje, stressed that while anger is a normal human emotion and can even be a healthy way to express feelings, it becomes problematic when individuals are unable to regulate it.
Jeje explained that in many cases, the inability to manage anger is deeply rooted in unresolved childhood pain.
He stated that trauma in early life can lead to a mental health condition known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, which not only manifests through flashbacks and anxiety but also through chronic irritability, mood swings, and anger outbursts.
He added, “Some people see anger and aggression as the same thing. In fact, anger is an emotion that we feel, while aggression is how some of us behave when we feel angry.
“Childhood trauma has been known to cause not only anxiety and depression but also anger and irritability. Unresolved trauma from childhood can manifest as antisocial personality traits in adulthood.”
He explained that children who suffer trauma often internalise their anger, especially when they feel powerless or unsafe expressing it.
“As these individuals grow older without addressing the root cause of their emotional pain, that suppressed anger may emerge in destructive or uncontrollable ways.
“In extreme cases, this trauma can develop into PTSD. Signs include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance behaviour, depression, difficulty trusting others, withdrawal, and, in some cases, risky or self-destructive actions. All of these symptoms can worsen if the trauma remains untreated,” he added.
Jeje also pointed out the link between unresolved anger and physical health problems such as hypertension, heart disease, and elevated stress levels, adding that many people fail to recognise their own role in their anger issues, instead blaming others or external circumstances.
He advised that those struggling with anger should consider techniques such as breathing and relaxation exercises to help regulate their emotions in heated moments.
He stated, “Regulating your breathing can help slow your heart rate and calm your nerves. Over time, this gives you more control in difficult situations.
“If these self-help strategies don’t work, it’s important to speak with a medical professional. A doctor may prescribe medication if necessary or refer you to a psychologist for talking therapy, such as anger management.”