It may truly be as simple as that. Remember, I'm just suggesting that you look at the anger, try to define it, own it, and sometimes discover that it masks other feelings that are more threatening. Being aware of, acknowledging or even owning the feeling doesn't guarantee instant comfort, but it does open the path to self-awareness. This begins to give you back control. While some of the feelings may be threatening, it is important to be able to express them.
Family members can help by giving permission for the feeling and coping with the anger.
After an angry episode, it may be important to discuss what happened. And it's just as important for the family members to listen to the response as it is for them to ask the question. The patient and the family need to talk about this, the changing roles and how the illness has affected their lives. It may be comforting to reconfirm that the family members choose to help the patient but yet still allow the patient to assume all the responsibility and independence possible at any particular stage of recuperation. The person living with a chronic condition isn't the only one who feels anger.