Why Can Anger Cause Headaches?

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Medical Video: Migraine 101: A 3-Step Guide to Managing Headaches

Have you ever felt a headache when you were angry? Your vehicle is hit with a dent, your partner doesn't keep his promise, endless traffic jams, and many other trigger factors that can make your emotions peak.

In fact, anger can indeed have an adverse effect on the body, one of which is a headache. Anger that lasts for several seconds can cause physical and psychological stress. The hormone that overflows through the bloodstream makes the flexible muscles tense and the mind works harder than usual.

This combination of unwanted actions can cause headaches. Headaches due to anger are no less painful when compared to other types of headaches.

Type of headache due to anger

1. Headache with tense nerves and muscles

The most common headache occurs when an angry headache feels tense. This is characterized by piercing pain accompanied by muscle tension in the neck area. Sensitivity to light and sound also sometimes triggers increased pain. Generally, this headache tends to be mild and does not weaken the sufferer.

2. Migraine

Migraine or side headaches can also be a side effect that results when angry. Generally migraines are more painful than headaches due to the tension of the nerves and neck muscles. In addition to headaches that are felt only one side, usually accompanied by a severe throbbing feeling.

Unlike tension headaches, migraines can greatly interfere with daily activities. Other symptoms that may be felt are nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision.

Why does anger cause headaches?

Actually, anger is not the direct cause of the headache itself, but rather a secondary cause because of the condition of the body when it is angry. For example, people who clench their fists and glue their teeth tend to experience headaches. Pressure on the facial muscles can trigger the mechanism of "fight or flight" which causes the release of the hormone adrenaline and cortisol.

The part of the brain that responds first when the anger attacks is the amygdala in the temporal lobe of the brain. The amygdala controls emotions and the natural response to fear, threats, and stress.

This domino effect of anger continues on the adrenal gland which will produce homin adrenaline and the stress hormone, cortisol. This condition gives you additional energy supply and strength. Eventually the blood that should flow into your stomach and intestines will change its course towards the muscles as a sign that you are ready to fight.

When this anger occurs, blood pressure and body temperature will increase, breathing and heart racing faster, and pupils begin to enlarge. This effect of releasing adrenaline and cortisol hormones causes constriction of blood vessels due to reduced oxygen and nutrient intake to the brain. This is what ultimately causes you to experience headaches when angry.

How to relieve headaches due to anger?

The best way to relieve headaches from anger is to control the emotions themselves. As much as possible reduce the triggers that can cause anger in you. To control anger, do breathing exercises by taking a deep breath through your nose and slowly releasing through your mouth. Repeat until you feel much better and much calmer.

Applying a healthy lifestyle such as regular exercise and eating healthy foods can also help reduce headaches. In addition, you can also pamper yourself by doing relaxation activities such as massage and yoga which are very helpful to relax the tense muscles and reduce internal anger.

Control your emotions in a way ...

Apart from those mentioned above, you need to know some other ways to control anger, namely:

1. Think before speaking

In conditions of anger, a person can do anything including making outrageous and painful words. Do not let anger blind you. Keep quiet for a moment and think about the words you want to say before coming out of your mouth.

2. Do physical activity

Physical activity can help reduce the pressure caused by anger. If at any time you feel your anger starting to peak, try to get up from your seat and take a short walk. You can also take a moment to do fun physical activities.

3. Use the word "I" in each statement

Even if you are angry, try to avoid criticism or blame someone. This will only add to the existing tension. Use the "I" statement to explain the problem. For example, the phrase "I'm upset because you repeat the same mistakes repeatedly" is much more subtle and acceptable when compared to the phrase "You always repeat the same mistakes every day."

4. Don't hold grudges

Forgiveness is a powerful way to overcome anger that can lead to headaches. If you let anger and other negative feelings overwhelm you, your body will get the bad effects of anger. But if you can forgive someone who makes you angry, you can both learn from the situation and strengthen your relationship. The most important thing is that you will avoid the torment of headaches that might attack.

Angry is difficult to predict. He comes just when there are things that are not in accordance with themselves. You can only control it so that it doesn't become a problem and avoid headaches due to anger.

Why Can Anger Cause Headaches?
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