While some of these symptoms may be unpleasant, they are normal, predictable reactions of people experiencing a loss or critical change in their lives. Recognizing these strong feelings, understanding why they may be present, and dealing with them in positive ways is important. Refusing to accept your feelings can cause physical and emotional damage. The first step to accepting feelings is to sort out and identify your feelings. One of the first feelings you will probably identify is anger.
Anger is a powerful emotion that is often viewed negatively.
Unchecked, it can escalate into a rage that may erupt in damaging emotional outbursts when it is unleashed on family members. Looking beyond the anger, you may begin to uncover many other emotions hidden underneath. Anger may stem from feelings of failure, being unappreciated, exploited, manipulated, uncared for, or humiliated. It may be caused by feelings of helplessness, worthlessness, frustration, anxiety, guilt, fear, or resentment. Once you begin to look at the variety of feelings behind the anger and to understand the hidden feelings, you can find ways to express your feelings in positive ways.