From the outside, explosions into anger appear sudden, but what
you’re seeing is only the rapid expansion of the same cycle of rumination
and escalating arousal that causes outbursts of fear and sadness. The out-
side behaviors are different, but the internal process is quite similar. It
begins, as always, with the brain’s inability to distinguish between physi-
cal and psychological threat. The late charge on Brandon’s bill hits him
like a slap in the face. Immediately, his brain pours him a shot of
adrenaline to brace him up for defending himself.
Explosive patterns are psychologically addictive because they make
complex situations easier to understand. Nothing simplifies better or faster
than anger. Once his hormones are pumping, Brandon doesn’t have to
think about the natural consequences of unpaid bills. His anger changes
him from a deadbeat to a hero defending his principles. This transforma-
tory power is one of the features that makes anger so popular. It is also
what makes it so utterly futile to try and convince an angry person that he
or she is wrong.
Holding reality at bay requires sustained effort. Brandon has to keep
up a head of steam as he lumbers toward your office. This is where rumi-
nation comes in.
When we experience strong emotions, we’re programmed to check
them out with other people to see if they’re valid. Brandon circumvents
the social part of this programming by talking to himself. Inside his head
he lists his reasons for being angry, confirms their righteousness, and con-
cludes that somebody should be made to suffer as much as he has. By the
time he reaches you, he’s run through the story about 400 times, becom-
ing angrier with each retelling. Once Brandon starts this sequence of
internal repetition and escalation, it’s hard for him to stop. The braking
circuits in his brain don’t work very well. He shares this characteristic with
the other explosive people described in this book, and it explains why the
same sort of medications (SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)
are used to treat panic, depression, and irritability. Unfortunately, putting
Brandon on Prozac is not an option in the current situation.
Later, he’ll probably admit that he got a bit carried away, but now he
stands before you primed and ready, an explosion waiting to happen. All
it will take is the slightest affront to set him off.
It’s your move. Here are some ideas about what to do:
The Blast Zone ❧ 21