The rage that sets fire to the soul.

It took me years, years to learn to control my anger. I can still suffer from outbursts although few and far between and often triggered by others being abused, hurt or used. But it is there, underneath the surface, always ready to make an appearance. I am so grateful for all the work I've put in to learn to control and understand it.

• Anger in people with PTSD and cPTSD is often intense and difficult to control because trauma rewires the brain’s threat response. The amygdala, which processes fear and danger, becomes overactive, making anger a default reaction to stress or perceived threats. At the same time, the prefrontal cortex, responsible for regulating emotions, struggles to keep that anger in check. This can lead to sudden outbursts, deep frustration, or even self-directed rage. For many, anger is also tied to feelings of helplessness, injustice, or betrayal from past trauma, making it a complex and overwhelming emotion to navigate.