Can Therapy Help My Depression And Lashing Out?
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Angry depression generally refers to the simultaneous experience of anger and depressive symptoms. This type of depression can manifest in different ways, with the feelings of anger being focused externally or internally. Biological, psychological, and environmental factors may all play roles in the potential development of angry depression. This mental illness can impact a person’s relationships, professional life, and overall mental health. Therapy is often the best way to treat angry depression, and sessions can be attended in person or online.
The connection between depression and lashing out
The connection between lashing out and depression can be intricate, as both conditions may intertwine in various ways, often creating a complex mental, emotional and behavioral landscape for individuals experiencing them simultaneously.
Anger attacks can be a manifestation of depression symptoms, indicating a complex interplay between anger and depression in individuals experiencing both conditions. Understanding the relationship between depression and anger can be helpful for effectively managing these symptoms and improving overall mental health in individuals with this mental health condition.
Understanding this relationship can be essential for those affected and their loved ones, as well as mental health professionals seeking to provide effective support and treatment.
Depression: More than feelings of sadness and hopelessness
Depression itself can be an emotionally complex condition that usually goes beyond feelings of sadness and hopelessness. It can encompass a wide range of emotions, including frustration, guilt, and anger. When anger is entwined with depressive symptoms, it can intensify the emotional burden experienced by the individual, potentially making it more challenging to navigate their feelings and seek appropriate help.
Anger
Anger can play a significant role in manifested depressive symptoms, as it may act as a coping mechanism for dealing with emotional pain. When individuals struggle to express their feelings of sadness or despair, they may turn to anger as a more effective and seemingly empowering emotion. This defensive strategy can mask the underlying depression, possibly making it more difficult to identify and address the root cause of their emotional distress.
Anger vs. irritability
It can be important to differentiate between anger and irritability when discussing the connection between anger and depression. Irritability, a common symptom of depression, typically refers to a heightened sensitivity to minor annoyances or a general sense of being easily upset. On the other hand, anger is usually a more intense emotion that can involve feelings of hostility, aggression, and even rage. While irritability can contribute to the overall experience of depression, the presence of anger tends to add a unique layer of complexity that may require tailored therapeutic approaches.
Angry depression
Angry depression can manifest in various ways, depending on the individual and their unique circumstances. Some people may exhibit outward signs of anger, such as verbal outbursts, aggression, or physical violence. Others may experience their anger more internally, such as experiences of resentment, self-blame, or persistent negative thoughts. In some cases, anger may be directed toward specific targets, such as family, romantic partners, or even oneself.
Forbes quotes psychologist and author of When Depression Hurts Your Relationship, Shannon Kolakowski, PsyD.: “Experiencing irritability, hostility, anger, and being sensitive to rejection are all common symptoms when depressed. Less well known is the fact that not only is irritability a sign of depression but it often signals a more severe level of depression. Hostility and irritability are also linked to a higher likelihood of having other mental illnesses, like anxiety. Other emotions such as sadness, shame, or helplessness often underlie the irritability, but irritability is what shows up on the surface.”
Causes of angry depression
Angry depression can be a complex condition with multiple contributing factors. It might be helpful to consider the potential causes in terms of biological, psychological, and environmental aspects. However, it can be important to remember that these factors are not necessarily mutually exclusive, and their interactions can also play a role in developing angry depression.
Biological factors
Regarding biological factors, a genetic predisposition may contribute to the onset of angry depression. This generally means that some individuals may be more likely to develop the condition due to their genetic makeup or family history. However, not everyone with such a predisposition may develop angry depression.
Additionally, chemical imbalances in the brain could be another contributing factor. These imbalances can affect the way the brain processes emotions, which may lead to feelings of anger and depression. Much like the genetic component, chemical imbalances may play a part in developing angry depression but don't always guarantee that it will happen.
Emotional and psychological factors
Unresolved emotional issues may contribute to the emergence of angry depression. These issues may stem from past experiences or traumas that haven't been addressed, potentially leading to feelings of anger and sadness. It can be crucial to acknowledge that not all individuals with unresolved emotional issues may develop angry depression, but it can be a risk factor.
Environmental factors
Lastly, environmental factors, such as stressful life events and interpersonal conflicts, may also play a role in angry depression. Significant life changes or ongoing conflicts with loved ones can increase stress and negative emotions, possibly triggering the condition.
Potential impacts of angry depression on daily life
Angry depression can significantly impact an individual's daily life, potentially affecting personal relationships, professional life, and overall mental health. Understanding these impacts can be essential to empathize with those experiencing this condition and support them effectively.
Personal relationships
In personal relationships, angry depression can lead to increased conflict with loved ones. A person struggling with this condition may experience heightened irritability and anger, causing disagreements and misunderstandings with friends and family. This can strain relationships, as those close to the individual may struggle to navigate the interactions.
Additionally, social isolation can be another consequence of angry depression. The individual may withdraw from social activities and avoid interaction with others. This can lead to loneliness and create a vicious cycle that's often difficult to break, as disconnection from supportive relationships can intensify the depression.
Professional life
In the professional realm, angry depression can negatively impact a person's productivity. The combination of anger and depressive symptoms may make it challenging to focus on tasks, frequently resulting in decreased job performance. Moreover, strained workplace relationships may arise due to the emotional volatility associated with angry depression.
Forbes explains contributing factors: “Certain workplace factors negatively affect mental health. Additionally, the way we often work isn't sustainable. Employees are under incredible stress and pressure which results in them working more hours and taking fewer breaks. This is fatiguing their minds and overall hurting the workforce’s mental health”.
Overall mental health
The effects of angry depression on overall mental health should not be overlooked. Anger can intensify depressive symptoms, potentially making it harder for the person to cope with their feelings and engage in activities that would typically bring them joy or relief.
Online therapy to support your mental health
As with most types of depression, therapy can be one of the best options for treatment. Online therapy can offer valuable benefits for individuals coping with angry depression, including convenience and flexibility. With the convenience of connecting to a therapist from the comfort of one's home, individuals facing the challenges of angry depression may more easily overcome barriers like time constraints and the sense of isolation. This effective and flexible approach may allow for a more personalized therapeutic experience, enabling individuals to work through their emotions and develop effective coping strategies at a pace that suits their unique needs and circumstances.
Efficacy online therapy
One study reviewed two decades of research to evaluate the difference in efficacy between in-person and online therapy. The study found that “video-based teletherapy may be a feasible and effective alternative to in-person services for reducing depressive symptoms. Continued research on the effectiveness of telehealth in clinically depressed samples, and further elucidation of the effective barriers entailed by each delivery modality, can help the field better determine which patients will derive the greatest benefit from each mode of intervention”.
Takeaway
Can depression and feelings of sadness make you lash out at people?
Angry outbursts in which someone lashes out at those around them are one of the common symptoms of depression. If someone is feeling just sadness or grief, this typically doesn’t provoke feelings of anger, since sadness is a core emotion, although some people are prone to anger outbursts when they feel sad.
Can depressive disorder cause violent outbursts?
While the more common symptoms of major depressive disorder are apathy, loss of energy, and loss of enjoyment, the disorder can in some instances cause violent outbursts.
Is lashing out a trauma response or symptom of PTSD?
Lashing out can be a trauma response and a symptom of PTSD. With trauma or PTSD, when the fight or flight response is triggered, some people switch into “fight” mode and lash out at those around them.
Can anxiety cause anger?
Yes, anxiety can cause anger. When the person with anxiety feels frustrated or helpless, they may experience anger and in some instances direct it at others. The physiological symptoms of anger can be very similar to those of the panic attacks that some people with anxiety experience.
Can depression make you hostile?
Yes, in some instances depression can make you hostile. Depression can make you feel vulnerable and helpless, in which case real or perceived criticism or wrongs can activate hostility toward others. The symbol 0/1–2 represents how depression and anger can be experienced. The “1–2” represents the feeling of being wronged by someone, and the “0” represents a feeling of zero agency or ability to respond and change your circumstances.
Are depression and anger related?
Depression and anger are related in that some people with depression experience frustration and anger. A study published by the National Institute of Health states that the relationship between depression and anger can be explained by a variety of risk factors.
How can anger and depression symptoms affect your life?
First and foremost, anger and depression can affect your life by deteriorating your sense of well being. Also, anger and depression symptoms can impact your ability to perform work, perform in school, or perform tasks of daily living. They can interfere with enjoyment of activities that you previously liked. They can also have a negative impact on your personal and professional relationships.
Do antidepressants help with anger and related emotions?
Yes, antidepressant medications such as SSRIs can reduce episodes of excessive anger. Discuss medication use with your doctor, as some antidepressant medication can have unwanted side effects such as weight gain or sexual dysfunction, and you’ll want to find the medication that will work best for you but have the fewest side effects.
What techniques can I use to help control my anger?
Helpful strategies for controlling anger include spending time in nature, deep breathing exercises, getting adequate sleep, exercise and physical activity, and relaxation techniques that alleviate muscle tension. Also, if you have severe depression, or you simply are experiencing a depressed mood, it can be a good idea to seek support from a mental health professional to receive effective treatment for anger and any other underlying problem or mental health condition such as major depression. Talk therapy and anger management classes can be used in tandem. The Massachusetts General Hospital website lists a number of resources for anger management.
Why do I snap so easily?
If you often feel angry or irritable and lash out at people there could be a variety of root causes. You may have unresolved anger that causes you to lash out. Suppressed anger is often a result of not being allowed healthy emotional expression during childhood. You could also have trait anger, which is a personality trait in which someone is born to be more prone to anger. Another cause of anger outbursts is clinical depression. It is also possible that you may have one of a few mood disorders that can involve anger.
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