Why We Get Angry

The next talks in the Nathaniel Cotton series are: Why we get angry – expressing anger and discontent; and the anthropology of fairness in society.

15th May at 7 pm at the Octagon, St Peter's Church, AL1 3HG. Free admission, donations for Nathaniel Cotton Gravestones Project welcome: https://timboatswain.wixsite.com/conservation-50

Thanks to all those who have already donated, as we have now reached over £1,000

Why do injustices make us see red? How did anger help build human civilisation? And can we harness this fiery emotion for good?

Join anthropologist Prof Tim Boatswain and psychiatrist Dr Florian Ruths for a fascinating exploration of anger's hidden purpose—from our primate ancestors to modern movements for justice, and how this primary emotion, when it gets out of control, can be managed and treated.

Why is your brain wired for rage (and when it helps vs. hurts)? How hunter-gatherers used anger to enforce fairness—and what we can learn from them. The cultural rules of anger: Why some societies shout while others suppress. Practical ways to transform anger into positive action.

Effective psychiatric and psychological treatments for anger exist and can make a profound difference when anger becomes frequent, intense, or harmful. Evidence-based approaches include psychotherapy like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to reframe distorted thoughts, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) for emotional regulation, and Schema Therapy to address deep-rooted patterns. Medications such as SSRIs, mood stabilisers, or beta-blockers may help when anger is linked to underlying conditions like depression or impulse disorders. Specialised programs—anger management groups and family therapy—also provide structured support. Treatment is recommended if anger leads to aggression, damages relationships, feels uncontrollable, or co-occurs with PTSD or substance use.