Why the Anger Over A Minor Issue?

Why the Anger Over A Minor Issue?

Did you ever hear someone referred to as a person who “easily flies off the handle”? (An ancient phrase referring to an ax head flying off its wooden handle.) Were you ever perplexed by someone reacting far out of proportion to the issue at hand (or have you been that person)?

There’s a condition known as IED (intermittent explosive disorder). Here’s a definition:

“Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is an impulse-control disorder characterized by sudden episodes of unwarranted anger. The disorder is typified by hostility, impulsivity, and recurrent aggressive outbursts. People with IED essentially ‘explode’ into a rage despite a lack of apparent provocation or reason.”

Don’t laugh and say, “That’s just Joe” or tell yourself “I was justified, that was outrageous” while your friends stare at you in shock. IED requires medical intervention, therapy and/or medication. It can result in harm or even death to others, or the perpetrator. At least some of what we call “road rage” is caused by this. Do you think it’s rational to pursue a car at high speed because the driver accidentally or even carelessly cut you off? Road rage has resulted in a lot of deaths.

And some people are walking around in “life rage.”