Depression & Anger

“Depression and Anger: Who REALLY Controls Your Emotions?”

View this show online NOW!

Get the Flash Player to see this content.

What we will explore on this Reality Avenue show:

What is the problem with Depression and Anger?

Depression and anger are normal emotions, as long as they remain transient and situational.  Sadness becomes depression when a person’s state of despair advances to the point of being disruptive to social functioning, daily activities and long term.

Researchers found that adults who choose to have a happy outlook on life live longer.

The optimists were 77% less likely to succumb to cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack and stroke, regardless of the normal risk factors, such as age and weight.

How are Depression and Anger connected?

It is often said that depression is anger turned inward.  In other words, if a person is unable to express their anger (possibly due to age, lack of power or social skills), they may eventually become extremely sad and begin showing the symptoms of depression.  Also, kids often do not express typical depression as seen in adults (melancholy, inactivity, etc.).  Their depression may appear to be “acting out” or anger, a red flag that that a person needs help.

Who REALLY controls your emotions?

The majority of people don’t suffer long term depression or anger, but certain factors can set the stage for their development.  There is no single cause, but genetics, environment, medical conditions, life events, and certain thinking patterns as seen by a person’s reaction to events play a role.

A (Event) + B (Thoughts regarding Event) =  C (Resulting Emotion)

The exact same event (car accident) can happen to 5 people, but each will have a different emotional reaction, due to their thoughts about what happened – i.e. – Relief (thank God the children weren’t in the car), Anger (what was that idiot doing?!), Acceptance (what can you do?), happiness (yes, time for a new car!).  You get the picture!

What can we do about it?

If everyday life seems boring, meaningless, oppressive, or painful (physically and/or emotionally) for you or someone you love, it may be time for help.  Join us on REALITY AVENUE, “Depression and Anger – Who REALLY Controls Your Emotions?”, and follow the lives of those affected by depression and anger and learn how they learned to live happy, full and successful lives, despite the tragedies they faced.  If you want more information on how to help yourself, your child, or someone you care about, watch the show and/or attend our upcoming workshop.

Click here for Resources and Helplines related to this show topic.

Click here for post-program Discussion Prompters and Classroom Exercises and Lessons related to this show topic.