Have you ever gotten angry before? Well sure you have, we all have at one point or another, and it’s OK, because it is simply another natural emotion of life. Ever felt like maybe you were depressed? Perhaps so, and that is OK too, because we all know that life has its ups and downs, and it can be hard sometimes. Unfortunately for some more then others, the feeling of anger or depression is a frequent visitor.
There are a few theories of the causes that stem from anger, some of which are betrayal, violence and one of which is certainly depression. While there are varying levels of depression, from having a bad day, to not getting out of bed in the morning, or spiraling into the real depths of agonizing depression, depression from anger can be particularly destructive.
Unfortunately, anger has become so common of a emotion, and expression of all humans, that it does not seem out of the norm (in most situations) for people to react in such a way. For instance, did you know that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) does not actually list anger as a sign of depression? Why not? Perhaps of its common occurrence, not only with other possible disorders, but also with pure human nature. So what does all this have to do with depression?
Well, some would suggest that “depression is anger turned inward”, as the saying goes. While there are of course many causes of depression, anger is certainly a highly possible one, though most likely lingers at an unconscious level. For instance, often times life events (perhaps not finding a job, family stresses, money problems) that could create anger in us may linger and build over a long period of time. If that anger is not expressed in a healthy manner, it will grow into a very negative state of depression and helplessness. Feeling like you do not have any control, or ability to change a negative situation can be extremely frustrating, which is why if it is not confronted will start to build pressure of locked up emotions, almost like a brewing volcano.
Just remember that it is alright if you get down in the dumps once in a while, or feel a little angry sometimes, life happens. What is important is how you deal with it. Try to be aware of how you are feeling about things, and find techniques that work for you to help express any possible anger in a healthy manner (talking to friends, or working through whats frustrating etc). As the wise old saying goes, life is 20% what happens to you, and 80% how you deal with it.
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