Symptoms of Depression from Anger

Written By: Marty Brenner Date: January 28th, 2010. Topic: Member Blogs.

Most of us have been depressed at some time in our lives but there are times when we find it hard to define or explain where the depression is coming from or what brought it on. Depression is a psychological and emotional state that affects a person’s mood, his or her physical state and social interactions with others. When someone is depressed, there is a chemical imbalance in the brain, and if severe or ongoing, needs medication and or counseling.

Anger on the other hand, is a very strong feeling of hostility or displeasure. You and I know when we are angry; we feel disturbed or hostile about an event, person or action and we desire some kind of resolution. In addition, those who are more prone to bursts of anger, see much of life as stressful or threatening. When we feel anger, we often want to fight back with hostile words, actions; both verbal and nonverbal. Sometimes we shout at others our displeasure or retaliate in ways that are unacceptable to those close to us and society. However, some of the time, we hold in our anger and before we know it, we feel depressed and either withdraw or act in a passive aggressive way through letters, email, shouting, etc.

Depression manifests itself in some of the following ways: being over tired, feeling ill, having little energy, having no desire to do things that once brought pleasure, insomnia, guilty feelings, overeating or having no appetite, irritable, worried and not being able to sleep.

And so, knowing what anger and depression are, we can see a connection because as an old saying goes, “depression is anger turned inward.” When we feel depressed, it is often because we have been unable to express our anger and when we can’t express anger, we sometimes push it down deep inside and then become depressed.

So, when depression sets in, what can we do to get rid of it and understand where it’s coming from? Here are some questions and insights that can help you know where the depression is coming from and how to handle it..

Examine and find out where your depression is coming from. For example, is your spouse or family member doing something that is making you feel depressed or does it just feel that way? Or, maybe your boss is being unfair in his treatment toward you; perhaps giving your promotion to someone else you perceive as undeserving?
Are you having some health problems? Financial concerns?
Has someone turned away from you?
Do you feel that you are no longer in control of your life?
Are your parents in need-physically, financially or emotionally– but you feel unable to help them?
There are ways that anger can be better managed. Here are just a few ways this can be done:
When you’re angry, share those feelings with someone, but do this when you are calm.
Don’t get into the habit of criticizing or blaming others. Look inside to see if perhaps you are partly the reason for the anger.
Whoever is making you angry, discuss with him or her in private, how to prevent another angry occurrence.
Exercise to help get the anger out. If you have a hobby, get into it.
Let your anger go. Don’t hang on to it, for it will fester and grow and you don’t need such anger in your life.

In addition, you can limit and better control your anger and frustrations by staying away from what is making you mad. Seek and find out, more productive and positive ways of behaving. Being more expressive in your communication with others, without ranting or talking loudly, will work better and you will find that when you do, you will feel more in control and positive. In addition, be aware of the “anger areas,” –people or situations that bring on the anger. Stay away from them as much as possible and keep a journal of when, where and why anger develops and grows.

And, if substance abuse is an issue in your life, then seeking professional help and guidance from a trained psychologist and/or AA program can help a great deal. Both are professional and knowledgeable and can guide you toward better physical and mental health, especially in the areas of managing your anger and depression.

AA is particularly helpful when there are issues of anger and depression, mixed with alcohol abuse; due in fact to their Twelve Steps Program. Steps 5 and 6 are particularly helpful: “Step #5—Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all and Step#6– Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.”