anger issues - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Message Board

Survivor 1957 · 07-03-2007, 09:39 PM

I have been to the doctors 3 times last week, 2 times the week before, new meds, being honest with the doc and I thought I was doing better...

My dear friend tells me yesterday that I seem to be very angry and negative these days. It took me by surprise.. He pointed out numerous times in 48 hours that I either was angry about or had a negative response.

I tried not to become defensive and tried listen to what he said with out getting angry. I did not like hearing this from some one I care about. I do trust this person and that made it even harder to hear.. I just did not realize how I sounded to other people..he feels that I need to be told the truth, and a friend will tell you the truth.
Some times I do not think the truth is the best thing to hear. I thought I was improving and it sounds like I just thought I was.
I am trying so hard to keep the rage down, the meds do not seem to be helping, I read the printout on the meds and they say it can take 5-6 weeks for the meds to work the right way.. I hope they help soon

k

isitme · 07-04-2007, 02:14 AM

Sometimes it takes - being told the truth, for us to see how we are behaving through the eyes of another. I think you'll be glad he told you in the long run because now you know there is some behaviour in you that needs changing. And you have to see what is wrong in order to put it right. (ptsd is all about 2 steps forward, 1 step back). We're all getting there slowly. Try not to be so hard on yourself.

ICC · 07-04-2007, 03:18 AM

Morning K.....I totally agree with isitme. I had my closest friend tell me years ago after being on Prozac for 6 weeks that she couldn't stand being around me because I was very combative all the time. I stopped taking it , calmed down but still at times had these "anger attacks". Alot of time they were legitimate as someone had really ****ed me off but others were memories and feelings that were bottled up and brought out an angry demeanor in me that all around me noticed. We talka bout anger all the time here. It is one of the single most important issues that will stop our progess in healing.

Grasshopper

Survivor 1957 · 07-04-2007, 05:28 AM

It is very hard, this getting healthy thing.... I have tried so hard not to have the anger and mistrust, I really thought I was doing better. To have it pointed out that I am in fact worse was a blow.

I know I still am not sleeping more than 4 hours at a time and could blame some of this on sleep depravation, but I know in my heart that is a cop out.
It was just so hard to hear it from some one that I care for, he came so far to check on me, (he was worried) I must of sounded pretty ruff on the phone, and not much better in person. I do belive I will listen to him and try to make a more conscious effort to look at the glass half full instead of half empty, I use to be the one that nothing bothered now its a lot different.. I truly want that person back with the half full glass.
Well I guess it gives me and my therapist something to work on, (like we did not have enough)

k

ICC · 07-04-2007, 05:51 AM

Hi K....Please don't slight yourself. IT IS HARD! to say the elast. Lack o fsleep adds to the mix so do meds if you're having side effects. My worst side effect to ALL SSR"S is aggitation. That' why I don't take them adn my PCP won't even think o fprescribing them anymore. When I get depressed I'm on my own. I understand what a blow this was to you . It was my closest friend of 26 years who brought it to my attention. Counselor asked me once if I thought I was having anger attacks and not panic attacks. Boy when i tell you a light bulb went off. She was right. Once I knew this it was so much easier for me to spot it quickly and get a handle on it. Mention this to your therapist and see what he thinks. Best of luck.

Grasshopper