[LittleEarthquakes]

My depression makes me feel constantly angry, mostly when I am around people. It is so hard to even smile. Frowning feels like it takes less effort. Often I am so angry to the point of feeling hatred for people and wanting to scream at them but I keep it inside. Does anyone else experience this and what has helped you? I am willing to take meds for this. Paxil and Wellbutrin did not help.

[MickeyCheeky]

Yes, I feel like this sometimes... I just want to scream or yell at someone, or break something, but I never do, in the end.. not sure if it's positive or not. Anyway, I understand you, and I'm sorry I'm not a doctor, but I believe your anger is just a way to "react" to your feelings (some people use sadness, for example). I don't know... wish I had better advice, but just know that you have all my support

This happens to me also. Especially if they give off the appearance of being happy...because I'm not. Why should I even compare myself to others? It's a losing game. Isolation doesn't make me feel any better either.

You have my support too.

[LittleEarthquakes]

Why do I always only get like two replies?

[Bill3]

How much do you still feel that same anger?

(((((LittleEarthquakes)))))

[here today]

Originally Posted by LittleEarthquakes

Why do I always only get like two replies?

I don't usually look in this forum, but I can definitely relate to feeling anger and hatred. I can sometimes numb it out and put on a fake smile, but the idea that you can "fake it till you make it" definitely hasn't worked for me.

I have taken citalopram but after a few month it usually makes me more angry than when I was depressed. I'm on it again right now and my energy level is better but I'm thinking about asking the pdoc about coming off because of the anger.

Wish I had something more positive to offer.

[kadie2]

I understand this....writing has been my big help.

[LittleEarthquakes]

Originally Posted by Bill3

How much do you still feel that same anger?

(((((LittleEarthquakes)))))

I still feel it. It's the same as ever.

[Bill3]

(((((LittleEarthquakes)))))

How true is the following?: Anything that lessens the depression will also lessen the anger.

[LittleEarthquakes]

Originally Posted by Bill3

(((((LittleEarthquakes)))))

How true is the following?: Anything that lessens the depression will also lessen the anger.

I really can't say because I have not felt any relief from the depression in ten years. I imagine so though, but I imagine that the anger is also due to my personality disorder diagnosis. I feel angry when I don't get what I want and when I feel alienated, mistreated, or insecure. I also get angry when bored or under stress. As far as coping with the anger I really don't. Taking xanax is really the only thing that helps the anger, anxiety, and depression -- but I am on a large dose of that, and there is obviously the risk of addiction and withdrawal which I have been trying to avoid, but I am not willing to stop taking the xanax forever because there are times when I'm overwhelmed and just need something to take the edge off.

[DechanDawa]

Meditation definitely helped.

[LittleEarthquakes]

Originally Posted by DechanDawa

Meditation definitely helped.

It used to help me a little bit.

[Bill3]

What have your treatment providers suggested (besides xanax, as you mentioned above), to address the depression and the anger?

[LittleEarthquakes]

My therapist did not really suggest anything but told me it was okay to feel these things and to breathe and stay in the moment. That apparently didn't help. My psychiatrist has recommended switching to Lexapro, which I'm willing to do (though afraid bc I've been on Paxil for four years.) I see her on Monday.

[DechanDawa]

Originally Posted by LittleEarthquakes

It used to help me a little bit.

Perhaps give it another go?

[Bill3]

My therapist did not really suggest anything but told me it was okay to feel these things and to breathe and stay in the moment.

I wonder what you would think about an anger management program.

[DechanDawa]

I taught meditation and for the male meditators I would say that 100% of them cited anger as their number one problem. For the females this wasn't true. I am not trying to be biased; this was just my experience when I would ask people why they wanted to learn how to meditate. If also definitely seems to help with anger issues.

Originally Posted by LittleEarthquakes

My depression makes me feel constantly angry, mostly when I am around people. It is so hard to even smile. Frowning feels like it takes less effort. Often I am so angry to the point of feeling hatred for people and wanting to scream at them but I keep it inside. Does anyone else experience this and what has helped you? I am willing to take meds for this. Paxil and Wellbutrin did not help.

Yes, I experience this due to my social phobia. Just the all round frustration of coping with a high level of discomfort in public. The only thing that helps is to constantly [and I do mean constantly] shift my thoughts to a place of letting go. Gets me home in one piece, but it's not a solution.

Lately I've been thinking of asking my doctor to prescribe me something strong.

Originally Posted by LittleEarthquakes

My therapist did not really suggest anything but told me it was okay to feel these things and to breathe and stay in the moment. That apparently didn't help.

I know. In other words the therapist can't help so all he/she can tell you is to just accept it. Great. We're back at square one.

[LittleEarthquakes]

Originally Posted by Bill3

I wonder what you would think about an anger management program.

I don't know, what do they do?

[LittleEarthquakes]

Originally Posted by spirit of moth

I know. In other words the therapist can't help so all he/she can tell you is to just accept it. Great. We're back at square one.

Yep, exactly.

[LittleEarthquakes]

Originally Posted by DechanDawa

Perhaps give it another go?

Okay but, I don't know if that would help when I'm at work or out in public.

[Bill3]

Here are two ideas that can be used in public:

1. Three Breaths: take three deliberate breaths, with long exhales. Then notice (without judging) how you are feeling.

2. "STOP" technique: S = Stop; T = take a breath; O = observe; P = proceed. Here is two-minute video about it:

[LittleEarthquakes]

Thank you. That may help the anger. But what about the hatred I feel at times?

[Bill3]

But what about the hatred I feel at times?

You could try loving-kindness meditation.

When hating someone, you could say to yourself any part, or all, of the following:

May you be safe.
May you be healthy.
May you have ease of body and mind.
May you be at peace.

In extending loving kindness to others, you may find that your own resentments and hatreds will lessen as well.

(((((LittleEarthquakes)))))

I, too, have been experiencing intense anger lately due to my depression and my anxiety. And I, too, am looking for ways to cope with it. So, I understand where you are coming from. I think my anger is from me starting a new medication. But I'm not sure. I wish I could be more helpful to you. But at least, you know you are not alone in having these feelings.