Yes, anger is one of the things at the core of depression. But it isn't quite that simple.

Numbing is another coping mechanism, and like depression, doesn't work well all the time.

You may have very good reasons to numb, be angry, be depressed and a myriad of other things going on, but it is always in our best interest to find out what we're doing to cope and why we're coping that way...and then find a better way.

People in chronic pain are usually also depressed. Just when you think you have a handle on something and make plans, the pain wipes you out and everything tumbles once again. What's not to be depressed about? (tongue in cheek) It is impossible for me to always have a plan b that works, and to keep a cheery attitude when things keep tumbling.

What's good is that as we learn about what we are doing to ourselves, we adjust and that lessens the stress and the resulting pain. Knowledge is good. It isn't always easy to hear, but it's good in the long run if we go with it.

(goestryter I also have TMD (or TMJD, we all have tmj's ) and if you do what they tell you to, you can overcome it, mostly. Good wishes! Glad you've found out so early on.))