Anger Issues?

[muh_]

Hi,

I wasn't quite sure which section of the forum to put this in, but as I am under 25 hopefully here is relevant.

For the last four or five years I have been subject to becoming extremely angry or dejected quite easily, even from the smallest inconvenience, but this was limited to mostly just frustration and maybe a bit of yelling. Thankfully at that point, it felt controllable and I was spared the embarrassment of having a hissy fit over nothing in front of others. This could be caused by anything ranging from problems with video editing software I was using to minor arguments with friends, but as it was not affecting others or myself in any major way, I did not think it was an issue. However, in the last year or so, I have noticed it worsening to a degree where outbursts have been much more loud and violent, as well as extremely common. It also now takes much less inconvenience to set me off, such as my GPS sending me in the wrong direction when I am driving, for me to become physically restless and aggressive, and to begin screaming threats at the GPS voice (thankfully nobody is present for these embarrassing non-issues, and if they are I am able to control myself via shame of being caught yelling at my car). For larger issues, several instances have now occurred where sudden outbursts of rage have affected relationships, and I have even lost some good friends of mine recently because of it. I can sense that other friends and family seem to be concerned as well, and I'm extremely grateful that nothing has happened in a public space like my workplace or university. I'm unsure if this is related, but in the last year I have additionally noticed my hands shake slightly but uncontrollably. This isn't enough to hinder everyday tasks, but for those that require a lot of precision I have lately noticed myself struggling with. Unfortunately, therapy or some sort of psychological assessment is not in my budget currently, so any tips would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Matthew

[Croix]

Dear Matthew~

I'd like to welcome you to the forum. I think it was a good move to come here as you can look around and find others who have had similar problems and how they coped.

I have PTSD, bouts of depression and anxiety, though I'm awful lot better now than I used to be. When things were particularly bad my mind would be so full of the hopeless and upsetting thoughts depression gave me that there was no room left to deal wiht ordinary life - or people. As a result I"d often get unreasonably angry either when things were not going perfectly, or when someone intruded, even those trying to look out for me.

As time went on with meds and therapy - plus family support - that problem went away, though even now it can pop up from time to time when I'm stressed..

Because medical assistance made such a difference I'd like to suggest it to you, however I can quite understand if the budget does not extend to visits and gap payments.

As a substitute I can recommend the free therapy website Mindspot Clinic which deals among other things wiht anger and offers self paced courses, supervised by clinicians, to assist. It's government backed and reputable. You may find a course there that helps.

I think it is pretty good that you have recognized this issue, and that things are getting worse, and that you'd like to do something about it.

If you felt like coming back and saying how you get on that would be great

Croix