We all get angry sometimes—it’s a normal, healthy emotion. But if you’ve found yourself asking “Do I have anger issues?” more often than not, it might be time to take a closer look. Maybe you explode over small things, feel regret after reacting, or notice tension in your relationships. At Annapolis Counseling Center, we hear this question a lot, and the truth is: recognizing anger patterns is a huge first step toward healing. In this blog, we’ll walk you through some of the most common questions we hear from people who are starting to wonder if their anger might be more than just an occasional outburst.
What are the signs of anger issues?
If you’re wondering, “Do I have anger issues?”—these are some common signs to look out for:
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Frequent irritability or impatience
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Explosive reactions over small issues
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Regret or shame after getting angry
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Difficulty calming down once you’re upset
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Tension in relationships due to how you express anger
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Feeling like your anger controls you, not the other way around
It’s not just about yelling or throwing things. Anger issues can show up as silent treatment, passive-aggressive behavior, or constant simmering frustration. If these feel familiar, your anger might be trying to tell you something deeper is going on.
Do I have an anger issue?
If you’re asking yourself “Do I have anger issues?”, it usually means you’re already aware something doesn’t feel quite right. That awareness is powerful. An anger issue isn’t just about how often you feel mad—it’s about the impact that anger has on your life and relationships.
Ask yourself:
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Do I feel out of control when I’m angry?
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Are people in my life afraid of my reactions?
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Do I often feel misunderstood or attacked?
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Do I have a hard time letting go of things that upset me?
If you answered “yes” to a few of those, your anger might be affecting you more than you think. Working with a therapist can help you unpack what’s behind it and learn healthier ways to express those feelings.
Do I have anger issues or BPD?
This is a question we sometimes hear when emotions feel really overwhelming. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition that includes intense emotions, fear of abandonment, unstable relationships, and yes—strong anger responses.
But having anger issues doesn’t automatically mean you have BPD. If you’re asking “Do I have anger issues or BPD?”, here are a few things to consider:
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Is your anger often tied to feeling rejected or abandoned?
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Do you struggle with a very unstable sense of identity?
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Do your moods shift rapidly from one extreme to another?
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Have relationships in your life felt chaotic or short-lived?
If that sounds like you, it may be worth exploring BPD with a mental health professional. Either way, if you’re wondering “Do I have anger issues?”, it’s a good idea to check in with someone trained to help.
How do I know if I have an anger disorder?
An anger disorder—like intermittent explosive disorder (IED)—goes beyond typical frustration. It involves chronic, intense anger that feels uncontrollable and often leads to verbal or physical outbursts that are out of proportion to the situation.
Some signs that you might have an anger disorder include:
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Sudden rage episodes that feel hard to stop
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Destruction of property or physical aggression
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A pattern of these reactions over time, not just a one-off
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Ongoing stress, shame, or relationship fallout because of your anger
If you’re reading this and still asking, “Do I have anger issues?”, and especially if these more extreme symptoms sound familiar, it may be time to talk to a counselor or therapist. There’s no shame in getting support—your mental health matters, and healing is possible.
You don’t have to manage anger alone.
If you’ve been wondering “Do I have anger issues?”, we’re here to help. At Annapolis Counseling Center, we work with individuals to uncover the root of their anger and build practical, compassionate strategies for change. Whether your anger feels like a whisper or a storm, it deserves to be understood—not ignored.