Posted by Racer on February 2, 2004, at 19:54:53
In reply to Re: a thought about rage... » Speaker, posted by Penny on February 2, 2004, at 19:09:43
Penny's got some really good points there, and it's not uncommon for repressed anger to be involved in depression.
The two things I'd like to emphasize are these:
1. Therapy *is* hard. It's not impossible, though, and it can be very helpful for many people. If you think you can benefit from it, and you don't feel comfortable with your life as it is, then it's probably worth sticking it out despite the discomfort.
2. It is possible to express anger without losing control. It is also possible to learn to express anger constructively. It may be *possible* to repress anger entirely, without adverse consequences, but if it is, I've never heard of it. That anger has to have a place to go, and if you don't direct it, it can take its own route.
That said, here's some just plain reassurance: this board can offer a lot of support and encouragement to help you through the process. You're not alone, and there are plenty of people pulling for you. Secondly, just learning to recognise my own anger was by far the most terrifying and difficult part of the process. I'm not all the way there, yet, and maybe I never will be, but it's all been much easier since getting past that first step.
Best luck, Speaker.
poster:Racer
thread:308630
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040131/msgs/308658.html