In today’s fast-paced world, almost everyone experiences anger — but when irritation becomes overwhelming, it can trigger anxiety, often the first stage of depression, experts warn.
According to psychologists, the main causes include economic stress from inflation, social pressure to maintain appearances, domestic tensions, and job-related challenges. Despite growing awareness, mental health remains a sensitive topic that even educated individuals hesitate to discuss or seek professional help for.
Speaking on ARY Digital’s morning show Good Morning Pakistan, psychologist Dr. Batool explained the distinction between anger and anxiety and shared practical home remedies to manage both.
Dr. Batool noted that anger is a natural emotional reaction, often triggered by family arguments or disciplinary situations with children. However, instead of letting anger take control, she said, it should be managed constructively — a process she referred to as “eating your stress” in medical terms.
She explained that anger reduces the body’s happy hormones while increasing stress-related ones, creating a chemical imbalance. To counter this, Dr. Batool suggested a few quick remedies:
- Drink a glass of water immediately when you feel angry.
- Eat a fruit — such as an apple or banana — with a pinch of salt or lemon juice. Bananas, she said, work the fastest.
- If fruit is unavailable, mix a pinch of baking soda in a glass of water and drink it, which can also help calm the body’s stress response.
Dr. Batool warned that unchecked anger can evolve into anxiety, which negatively impacts both the mind and digestive system.
“As anxiety increases, dopamine levels drop, and about 70% of serotonin — the happiness hormone produced in the intestines — is lost,” she explained.
To combat anxiety, she recommended consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as avocados, almonds, and fish. However, she added with a smile, “This treatment can be expensive — the better and cheaper solution is simply not to take on stress.”
