7 Clear Signs You’re Dealing With Angry Person

— Dr. Jamie Huysman Founder ED and Milena Stankovic Co-Founder —

You might be surprised to realize how many individuals in your circle struggle with hidden anger. 

Anger isn’t always loud and explosive. In many cases, it’s buried beneath the surface, hidden behind smiles or polite conversations. 

But even when anger doesn’t seem obvious, it has a way of seeping into interactions, relationships, and even the atmosphere around us.

You might not realize it, but you could be dealing with someone harboring unresolved anger right now. 

Identifying the signs early can help you avoid unnecessary conflict and better understand the emotions driving their behavior.

In the following lines, you’ll discover 7 clear signs that someone is silently struggling with anger. 

From their judgmental tendencies to their need for control, this article will help you spot the patterns and behaviors that often accompany hidden frustration. 

By the end, you’ll not only be able to recognize these traits but also understand the deeper reasons behind them – and perhaps even respond with greater empathy.

So let’s start.

1. Angry People Tend to Judge Others

People dealing with anger are often overly judgmental.

They form opinions based on assumptions or misunderstandings. Many times, judgment arises because they feel threatened by someone else’s success, attention, or admiration.

I’ve experienced being judged unfairly – whether for my aspirations, actions, or personality.

Often, people judge simply because they can’t comprehend someone who doesn’t fit into their perspective.

Judgmental individuals focus on finding faults, even when none exist. These people drain your energy and often leave you feeling negative. 

However, their criticism stems from their own internal struggles, making them the ones who ultimately suffer the most.

2. They Project Their Issues Onto Others

Angry individuals tend to project their personal frustrations and flaws onto others. This often involves harsh criticism, even of things that are otherwise positive.

These people usually have low self-esteem, and by projecting their anger outward, they attempt to normalize their emotions. 

They’ll focus on the negative in others, often ignoring anything positive.

For instance, selfish individuals might present themselves as champions of solidarity, creating arguments to justify their self-serving behavior. 

They rationalize their actions with excuses like, “I didn’t want to act this way, but I had no choice.” In reality, their selfishness drives their decisions.

Projection is a way for angry people to avoid acknowledging their own faults, shifting the blame to others instead.

3. They Are Often Depressed or Anxious

The connection between anger and depression has long been recognized. Sigmund Freud famously described depression as “anger turned inward.”

Angry individuals often engage in self-destructive behavior, ranging from passive-aggression to relationship sabotage.

Chronic anger also keeps their bodies in a heightened state of fight-or-flight and FAWN response, leading to CPTSD anxiety and emotional exhaustion.

This cycle of unresolved anger isolates them further, preventing them from achieving peace or happiness.

4. Emotional Immaturity Stands Out

Emotional immaturity is another hallmark of hidden anger. Instead of calmly addressing challenges, these individuals may react with aggression, exaggerate problems, or hold grudges.

According to Dr. Jamie, “Angry individuals often deflect blame and avoid accountability, which is a significant indicator of emotional immaturity.”

This behavior can manifest as a refusal to take responsibility and is often tied to deeper emotional wounds.

For those with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), emotional immaturity can stem from unresolved trauma that disrupts emotional regulation.

This can lead to chronic patterns of deflection, defensiveness, and anger, further straining their relationships and personal growth.

5. They Constantly Complain

Frequent complaining is a clear sign of inner frustration. Angry individuals moan about even the smallest inconveniences, and life often feels like an endless series of unfair events to them.

Rather than taking steps to improve their situation, they remain stuck in a cycle of dissatisfaction. 

Their unstable emotions cause them to lash out when things don’t go as expected.

6. They Seek to Control Others

Anger often gives individuals a false sense of power. They may attempt to control people or situations, and when they fail, their frustration escalates.

These persons don’t recognize healthier ways to manage challenges and rely on anger to assert authority. 

Unfortunately, this behavior alienates others, leading to more frustration and deeper anger.

7. They Always Play the Blame Game

Blaming others is a common trait among angry individuals. Shifting responsibility allows them to avoid accountability for their actions, enabling them to remain angry and miserable without self-reflection.

Many angry people struggle to let go of their frustrations. They fixate on problems, fail to enjoy life, and treat every situation as a challenge to overcome.

Why Are They Angry?

There are many reasons why people develop anger issues. For some, it may stem from childhood experiences or the behavior they witnessed growing up. 

As our Founder Dr. Jamie Huysman likes to say: “Children reflect what they experience“.

Parents, in particular, play a huge role in shaping how individuals react to life’s challenges.

Most parents should teach their children the importance of finding happiness and focusing on the good in life. 

They should emphasize kindness and positivity, which helps avoiding falling into the trap of anger and resentment.

If you recognize someone in your life with these traits, try to approach the situation with compassion. While anger can be destructive, it often masks deeper pain and struggles.

How to help someone with anger issues?

Sometimes, the people harboring anger need help the most. By encouraging them to seek support and guidance, you can make a difference in their journey toward healing and emotional regulation.

Projects like our TAR Anon™ provide a unique, trauma-informed program for individuals recovering from toxic, abusive relationships and their emotional aftermath. 

Whether you are dealing with someone who struggles with anger or recognize these traits in yourself, TAR Anon offers a safe, non-judgmental space to uncover the root causes of emotional pain, develop essential self-love, and find healthier ways to connect with others.

Keep in mind: Together, we can help others, and ourselves, move toward a brighter, healthier future in every way.