Most people see depression as constant sadness, lack of motivation, or apathy, never recognizing that being always angry and irritable are all telltale signs. These lesser-known symptoms of depression can stop people from realizing what’s happening.
If you find that you’re always angry and irritable no matter what you do to soothe your mood, you may be experiencing depression. Different treatment programs, including an anger management therapy program or a depression treatment program, can make a difference.
Why People Don’t Make The Connection Between Being Always Angry and Depression
People often don’t make the connection from being always angry and irritable to depression because the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) does not include them as symptoms. The DSM is a standard diagnostic tool many professionals use to determine possible disorders a patient might be facing.
Depression is typically portrayed as extreme sadness. For many people, sadness and anger seem like very opposite emotions. To those dealing with depression, these emotions are blended. Anger and irritability can be symptoms of depression, but they are not commonly spoken about.
How Are Anger and Irritability Related to Depression?
Those who have a negative outlook on life can sometimes have a more trying time dealing with daily stresses and irritants. This accumulation of tension can lead to lashing out or feeling irritable.
Depression is also a mood disorder characterized by a distorted emotional state that doesn’t match the surrounding circumstances.
Other symptoms of depression include:
- Agitation or restlessness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Feeling guilty or worthless
- Feeling empty, sad, tearful, or hopeless
- Fixating on self-blame or past mistakes
- Insomnia or sleeping too much
- Loss of interest in pleasurable activities
- Reduced or increased appetite
- Slowed thinking or movements
- Suicidal thoughts
When depression sets in, so can frustration or anger. They might wonder why they have such a hard time dealing with things that come with ease to others. Especially if that depression is untreated, it’s challenging to remain patient with yourself.
If you give anger too much opportunity to build up, it can spill out and target other people. If you have trouble controlling your anger or if your outbursts are making things worse, it’s time to get help.
How to Stop Feeling Like You’re Always Angry and Irritable
If you constantly feel like you’re always angry and irritable, you can do a few things to treat it.
First, find healthy ways of expressing your feelings. This expression can take the form of drawing, painting, writing poetry, and journaling. When you have a healthy outlet for your feelings, it can help you manage your impulses and prevent you from saying something you might regret later.
Second, let other people know how you feel. If you are noticing other symptoms of depression, let them know that you’re going through a rough patch. Third, implementing a regular practice of meditation can help you learn to identify and recognize your feelings. Sometimes all it takes is recognition for feelings to dissipate.
Finally, reach out to a professional. If you’re feeling like you’re always angry and irritable, it could be a sign of something more serious. A therapist can help you understand and manage your emotions in a more constructive way.
Reach Out to Promises Behavioral Health Today
If you’re feeling like you’re always angry and irritable, it may be a sign of depression. Depression is a serious mental health concern that requires professional treatment. At Promises Behavioral Health, we offer a variety of depression treatment programs that can help you manage your symptoms and live a happier, healthier life.
You don’t have to face your anger alone. Promises Behavioral Health has a depression treatment program that can help you learn to manage your anger. Seeking help is not something that can afford to wait, especially when anger has seriously impacted your life. Call 844.875.5609 today to learn more.