Anger

We get angry, angrier than we have ever been. What are we supposed to do with this anger? We can turn the anger inward. But anger turned inward is depression. We get mad at ourselves for being depressed, and get even more depressed. If we do a good enough job of suppressing anger, we’ll end up feeling nothing-bad or good. Either we feel our feelings or we don’t. There is no picking and choosing, no middle ground. We can turn our anger outward. When do that, we alienate the very people we need to be there for us. Who wants to be around an angry person? We don’t even like being around ourselves when we are angry. We end up alone. And once again, we get mad at ourselves and end up more depressed. We can get angry at our bodies. A lot of good that does! When we are angry at our bodies, we don’t take care of ourselves. Nobody wants to care for a traitor. And we get sicker.

We are frightened, confused and frustrated. Our lives are out of control. This wasn’t supposed to happen. Not now. Not to me. It’s over too soon. We didn’t choose this journey. Of course, we’re angry. Any person in their right mind would be. What can we do? First, accept the fact that you are angry. It’s part of you and you can’t just cut it out and toss it away. Nothing changes until you accept where you are right now. Words are powerful tools for dealing with anger. Write about what you feel. Talk to a good friend or a counselor. Beat a pillow, yell out loud in the car or when you are alone. Sure, it sounds silly, but what do you have to lose by trying? What do you have to gain? Channel your anger into learning about your condition and managing it. Get involved and work for a cure. Make a difference.

Today, I will accept my anger and try healthy ways to express it.