Anger takes its place in many of today’s situations. Fueled by hatred, strife, envy, jealousy, and many others, anger has become almost commonplace today. Many hold anger in their hearts, allowing it to affect the relationships in their lives. What many do not realize is just how unhealthy anger is.

Anger is physically harmful. In fact, “One study found there was a three times higher risk of having a stroke from a blood clot to the brain or bleeding within the brain during the two hours after an angry outburst” (Strong 2015). Anger can greatly increase your chances of having a stroke or seizure. Not only that, but “simply recalling an angry experience from their past caused a six-hour dip in levels of the antibody immunoglobulin A, the cells’ first line of defense against infection” (2015). Anger lowers your immunity, and can even cause you to have a shorter lifespan.

Anger is also mentally harmful, as it points to depression. “Numerous studies have linked depression with aggression and angry outbursts” (2015). Anger has been scientifically connected to depression, and as such,  it should be carefully navigated. Holding anger for long periods of time will result in many consequences.

Happiness, on the other hand, has shown to have the opposite effect. “Happiness and laughter have been shown to increase natural killer cell activity in blood and free radical-scavenging capacity in saliva, as well as lowering levels of the stress hormone cortisol” (Dobson 2008). Happiness and laughter can literally help increase your immunity, therefore reducing your chances of contracting an illness.

Instead of holding anger and risking depression, stroke, or even lower immunity, make sure to release all anger and remain happy, for “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil” (English Standard Version, Ephesians. 4. 26-27). Even the Bible tells us to release our anger. Who knows? Maybe God’s purpose for this verse was keeping Israelites healthy! 

 

Strong, Debbie. “7 Ways Anger is Ruining Your Health.” Everyday Health, 29 May 2015, https://www.everydayhealth.com/news/ways-anger-ruining-your-health/

Dobson, Roger. “Want to Live Longer? Carry on Laughing!” Independent, 16 December 2008, https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/want-to-live-longer-carry-on-laughing-1097285.html

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Crossway, 2001. Print.

 

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