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ON MENTAL ILLNESS: Bad Anger, Good Anger

Jack Bragen
Friday June 05, 2015 - 11:24:00 AM

Many people who have schizophrenia or bipolar sometimes get angry beyond the normal level for a given situation. This anger could be expressed verbally, or, for some people with less insight, may become physical. In my case, I have a history of becoming verbally angry. My tone of voice is enough to cause others to become upset. I have learned to scale back on this.  

For anger, there are a number of coping mechanisms that can be utilized. One of these is to make sure that you are adequately medicated. There are certain medications that especially help with reducing anger, such as Depakote.  

Additionally, mindfulness techniques can be learned that can allow letting go of some of the anger naturally.  

When angry, a lot of damage can be done to relationships. Getting angry in the wrong way, in the wrong place, and at the wrong time, can have repercussions that can affect one's future.  

When you feel anger coming, if possible, you could remove yourself from a situation. If you are stuck in a situation wherein you feel pressure, you could pause, take a deep breath, and "exhale" the anger.  

Anger can be a good thing, or a bad one. If it motivates you to get out of an oppressive situation, then it has a use. If someone has harmed you or is harming you, anger can help with defending yourself.  

Sometimes anger is a natural response to being treated abusively. I am not going to tell you that you should always be sweet and loving--that's not real.  

However, sometimes anger can turn us into bullies. Most bullies have a past of being mistreated and/or have been taught through bad examples that it is okay to hurt people. When and if we find clarity, we know the truth--violence is not okay.  

Those recovering from a past of abuse will inevitably have emotions that must be acknowledged. Anger is one of these. This anger should be experienced and should not be glossed-over with a spiritual or religious philosophy that preaches we should always be sweet and kind.  

Unacknowledged anger can bite you in the butt. If we are angry, we should admit that to ourselves. Expressing anger to someone isn't always practicable, depending on the circumstances and with whom we are dealing.  

Discussing anger is usually a good practice in a therapy session. When angry at the therapist, the therapist ought to be open to hearing that without getting defensive, if the therapist is any good. When the therapist tries to invalidate your feelings by putting you under a microscope, it might be time to try changing therapists.  

I have seen therapists use an analytic technique directed at shutting down an angry mental health consumer. This might be for the sake of the convenience of the therapist. I, personally, have had enough of that sort of thing.  

Anger doesn't have to lead to violence, and it doesn't have to lead to verbal abuse. If anger is acknowledged and dealt with in a constructive manner, it can be a motivating force--closely akin to being determined.