Is Anger a Cause or Symptom of Depression?

'Angry Andrew' is next in my cast of characters for my series I am calling "The Depression Go-Aways".  The thing is with these characters is that yes, you do want them to go away. However, you also want to pay attention to what they may be trying to tell you.

 No character can do you and others more harm than 'Angry Andrew'. If you let him stay, he will get bigger, and bigger and BIGGER!

 How big a topic is ANGER? huge! HUGE! HUGE!

"One of the most interesting things psychologists have discovered is that depression and anger often feed each other, creating a cycle of negative emotions." 

Do you agree? Does that make sense to you?

 Or how about this statement from the same source:

 "The repression of this anger and other emotions is often the cause of depression. All of that anger turns inward, so instead of attacking the problem, you begin to attack yourself. You begin to focus on your own faults and failures and pull yourself down."

 Have you heard of the idea that depression is anger turned inward? Do you agree?

 Even if you have a genuine reason for your anger, such as abuse, still, if left untreated, it can harm you and others.

 Sometimes anger can be an indication that depression is coming on. Sometimes anger can be a symptom of depression.

 Pay attention to 'Angry Andrew'. If he sticks around for too long, get some help.

 Here is what has helped me in the past:

 1. Admit to myself that I am angry.

 2. Write out what I am angry about, in as much detail as possible.

 3. Get help, someone to talk to.

 4. Pray to God and ask for his help.

 5. Forgive the person you are angry with (not necessarily to their face...)

 WHAT ABOUT YOU? How are you feeling today? Is 'Angry Andrew' a constant companion? Do you need help?

 Don't give up! There is hope for depression.


Popular posts from this blog

My Little Helper

Image
  My Little Helper Casey Writes a Book! I am writing another book! This time it is a Christian devotional and I am looking forward to sharing it with you when I am done. In the meantime, just for fun, I googled 'yorkie writing a book' and this is the picture that came up. It's a beautiful picture, isn't it? Actually looks like a painting to me, what do you think? Anyways, that reminded me of how much you can find on the internet just with a few words to google. It's amazing, isn't it? And that got me thinking about how much information I have found over the years about depression that has helped me.
Read more

Joy and Sorrow - Together?

Image
  Joy and Sorrow - At the Same Time? Have you ever experienced joy in the middle of sorrow? I have. My father died suddenly at the age of 59. I remember the moment. I was at his funeral, sitting in the front pew holding my mother's right hand with my sister on the other side holding her left hand. The three of us were drenched with tears. The big church was packed. But despite my sorrow I was filled with joy at the life my dad had lived, at the lives he had impacted in a good way, and at the thankfulness I felt for having him all those years.
Read more