[yellow_fleurs]

Does anyone else struggle with anger, either within or out of a mood episode? I don't explode with anger often, but sometimes struggle internally and I wonder if I suppress it too much. Also I deal with it with my hormones. I probably think I should not get "too angry" likely because I grew up with a dad and sister who had a lot of outbursts and I had to keep the peace. I am wondering how others deal with this in healthy ways?Any thoughts on the subject are welcome.

[Pookyl]

I’m not angry often but when I am I find exercise/walking in the fresh air works.

[gina_re]

I had anger issues until I was put on a mood stabilizer. I wish I could go into more detail, but my nighttime cocktail just hit me...

I do. I tend to either get snappy with very small, insignificant irritants, or I avoid avoid avoid addressing something that bothers me, until I reach the point of no return and say something way out of proportion and unforgivable. I struggle with how to work on this.

I have certainly had anger issues throughout my life, but I don't consider myself an angry type person in general. In fact, I am more upbeat and happy go lucky. My anger has mostly been linked to my bipolar disorder, associated anxiety issues, and general sensitivity. My medications help, but definitely don't do the whole job at preventing it. CBT has been quite helpful for me, more than any other type of therapy. If you have a therapist, ask to explore anger management.

The hard part for me in controlling my anger is impulsivity. If something triggers it on the spot like a lightning bolt, it can be hard for me not to react immediately. I call it a "Boom! Boom!" effect. Usually I feel an instant adrenaline rush. I've learned to identify that feeling, and with practice/insight, take a "time out" (a few breaths) before reacting. In that brief time, I can sometimes find a flicker of reason, the adrenaline rush starts to decrease, and a more appropriate reaction may come to my mind. Sometimes. As for anger that is a "stewing type", I try to use techniques to challenge the thoughts and deescalate/rectify them in a more diplomatic way. "OK, Bird Dancer, what is a more appropriate response that helps resolve the issue without exacerbating it? How can I find relief without causing harm to X?"

Anger is not a horrible thing completely. It's just how you manage it.

Most people in my family were prone to anger outbursts, too. I think it can be a partially learned (or reinforced) behavior. It's good to explore that.

[fern46]

I'm not normally an angry person, but anger poured out of me when I was manic in a mixed episode. I've been thinking about it and I realized I was repressing my feelings on a number of issues and maybe thats why they basically exploded when I was manic. I'm trying to find ways to process my anger in the moment now. I approach it basically like Bird Dancer described. I wait for the adrenaline to subside and then I try to find words to be truthful without being hateful or harmful. It takes practice, but it helps.

[MickeyCheeky]

I'm so sorry you're going through all of this, yellow_fleurs! I completely agree with what all the other great, wise, wonderful posters have already wisely said better than I ever could! You've been given lots of great, kind, supportive, wise and wonderful advice on this thread! I'd suggest to follow it as much as you can if you want! I completely agree with BirdDancer and all the other wise posters about talking to a therapist and see how it goes from there! Maybe that could help! You could learn new ways to cope with your feelings! Are you taking any meds right now? Perhaps they may be affecting your anger and mood as well! I'd suggest to talk to your Pdoc about all of this and see how it goes from there! Hopefully he/she will be able to help you! He/she's there to help you after all! I'd also suggest to buy a punching bag or anything like that if you need to vent your anger and frustration! Maybe that could help! I'd also suggest to try to practice some physical exercise, sports or maybe even meditation and yoha! They can be helpful for MANY people who are struggling with anger and stress! I'm sure there are many self-help books as well! I believe there are many option if you want to learn how to deal with your anger! I beleive suppressing it may not the best option since it MAY come out at the most inappropriate moments! We CAN learn how to deal with it though! It is certainly NOT easy, but it CAN be done! I'm sure you CAN do this! You've got this, yellow_fleurs! I BELIEVE IN YOU! We ALL believe in you! I hope you'll be able to believe in yourself as much as we all do because YOU'RE AWESOME, YOU ROCK and YOU KNOW IT! We ALL know that! I'm sure you know that as well even if it's deep down! PLEASE REMEMBER THAT! You're AWESOME! You're STRONG! You're a WARRIOR! You're an AWESOME, STRONG WARRIOR, YELLOW_FLEURS! You're a STRONG, WONDERFUL PERSON! PLEASE REMEMBER THAT! Remember that we're here for you if you need it! Feel free to PM me anytime! Let us know if there's ANYTHING AT ALL that we CAN DO to HELP YOU OUT! WISH YOU GOOD LUCK! Let us know how it goes! I'm so sorry you have to deal with all of this, yellow_fleurs! Sending many hugs to you, yellow_fleurs!

[FriendlyJoe]

Originally Posted by yellow_fleurs

Does anyone else struggle with anger, either within or out of a mood episode? I don't explode with anger often, but sometimes struggle internally and I wonder if I suppress it too much. Also I deal with it with my hormones. I probably think I should not get "too angry" likely because I grew up with a dad and sister who had a lot of outbursts and I had to keep the peace. I am wondering how others deal with this in healthy ways?Any thoughts on the subject are welcome.

Cardio, weight lifting, punching bag, yelling in my room with the music blaring. It's just a massive rush of energy and if it's not released it turned into anger and aggression. Definitely do something to release it in the best positive way possible.

[Row Jimmy]

I try to keep the anger at bay - I eat well, sleep well, exercise, engage in hobbies, be mindful, and generally try to stay busy. A real challenge for me is the "front run" strategy, preparing for something I know will trigger me (or has in the past). Life gets in my way and a lot of what I try to prep for is out the window once I'm in the moment.