There Are 9 Types of Anger—Which One Is Yours?

You avoid anger

When you’re mad, but say nothing about it; when you’re feeling all kinds of agitated but don’t dare show it—that’s resistant or passive anger, the kind you bottle up inside you, explains Peter Andrew Sacco Phd, psychologist in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Our way of dealing with anger is often learned at an early age, so if this is your anger style, you may have been raised by people who avoided conflict at all costs; maybe they instilled the idea that anger is wrong or expressing it is bad. Or perhaps you saw so much arguing growing up that you made a conscious choice to never get mad or disagree with anyone to evade fighting. But anger is a very normal human emotion, says Sacco, author of What’s Your Anger Type? Suppress it, and it can hurt both your mental and physical health. “When anger is turned inward, it can lead to depression,” he explains. Plus, research suggests that internalizing anger may lead to heart problems and weaken your immune system. Instead of squashing it, own what you’re feeling, suggests Sacco. Recognize and acknowledge your anger so you can move forward. Here are some of the healthiest ways to manage anger.