Anger and depression sometimes go hand in hand

Millions upon millions of people suffer from clinical depression. Depression is sometimes a difficult diagnosis and may involve a number of components and trigger events. The causes of depression are many and varied, ranging from genetic predispositions to disease, aging, traumatic events such as the death of a loved one or divorce, along with hormonal imbalances and drug or alcohol abuse.

If you approach your physician for help, he or she will attempt to determine the root cause of your depression and may recommend psychological counseling, as well as a prescription anti-depressant. A person who suffers from depression may not be able to describe what events have brought them to this condition. Seldom does the physician make an inquiry in to a possible link between suppressed anger and depression.

The current crop of anti-depressive drugs carry a host of side effects that should not be taken lightly. There are a number of physicians who have conducted long term studies on the effects of these drugs and have concluded that the cure may be worse than the illness. Most anti-depressant drugs come with a warning against suicidal tendencies, as a result of taking the drug that is supposed to relieve the depression! While you may have a legitimate diagnosis of depression, these drugs may not be the answer.

Psychological counseling may prove valuable, but it's a long, hard road to a normal state. Often overlooked, there is a definite link between anger and depression. While this link is not always at the root, if you are diagnosed with depression, it's worth your time to do a little investigation on your own. Psychologists and psychiatrists are skilled in ferreting out the thoughts behind your depression, but they are not mind readers. You know yourself better than anyone. You might well do yourself a favor with a little self analysis.

Anger and depression often do go hand in hand. People who have suffered any of the traumatic events described above may understandably feel anger. In our society, we're trained to 'keep a stiff upper lip' in ties of adversity. However, this does not negate the anger that naturally accompanies these life changing circumstances. We are taught to suppress anger at all costs. When we suppress such volatile emotions, where do they go? We internalize them. While trying to put a fresh and cheerful face forward in society, the anger and depression only grows, without expression.

If you have suffered the death of a family member, you will naturally be depressed. This is universally understood. What is not common knowledge is that you may experience anger, of the dark-night-of-the-soul variety. You may be angry at the world, unable to understand why life has dealt you this blow. Depression ensues.

If you suffer from diseases associated with aging, you may be simply tired of the physical pain you suffer, day in and day out, with no relief in sight. Physical pain fosters anger, with no viable outlet. There's no one to blame, not even yourself. While you may feel angry, your anger is all dressed up with nowhere to go. This is yet another recipe for anger and depression.

Before you accept a prescription for an anti-depressant, make an analysis of the sources of your depression. Suppressed anger and depression do sometimes go hand in hand. If anger plays a major role in your depressed state, share that information with a counselor. Getting that anger out in the open may help you relieve some of the symptoms of your depression.