I would like to ask the doctor if my behaviors indicate that I have some psychological issues?
To be honest, this behavior has troubled me for a long time, and I've been wanting to understand why these actions occur.
I searched online with some keywords but couldn't find any answers, so I'm reaching out to you, doctor.
This started around the 5th or 6th grade of elementary school.
Sometimes, I suddenly feel inexplicably very angry and irritable, and I feel the urge to release that anger physically, so I tightly clench my fists.
However, I don't express this in front of anyone; I just remain silent and keep clenching my fists, trying to let it out.
There have been times when I was so frustrated that I cried on my bed, kicking and hitting my pillow wildly, feeling like there was so much pressure in my body that needed to be released.
This kind of behavior has happened about 2 or 3 times.
The frequency is not high, maybe once every six months or a few months, and each time it is accompanied by inexplicable anger and irritability leading to these actions.
I consider myself to have a high tolerance for stress; if someone crosses my boundaries or annoys me, I can still smile and forgive them without losing my temper in front of others.
I wonder if these behaviors are a result of long-term accumulation.
I would appreciate your insights, and if it turns out that I am indeed unwell, I will seek medical help.
Tairō, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/07/07
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Dear Taro,
It sounds like this issue has been troubling you for a long time, and I empathize with your struggles.
Everyone experiences emotions and has moments when they feel their rationality is about to break down.
Emotions often stem from our unique perspectives on situations.
While it may be necessary to suppress these feelings in the moment, processing them afterward is crucial.
It is advisable to use methods that do not harm yourself or others for emotional adjustment.
Additionally, you mentioned that these feelings seem to occur periodically; there may be physiological factors involved.
I recommend seeking an evaluation from a mental health professional to receive appropriate support, or arranging further psychological counseling to better understand yourself and aid in your healing.
Wishing you all the best.
Reply Date: 2020/07/07
More Info
Understanding unexplained anger can be a complex issue, often rooted in psychological factors that may not be immediately apparent. Your experiences of sudden, intense anger and frustration, particularly when they seem to arise without clear triggers, suggest that there may be underlying emotional or psychological issues at play.
From your description, it appears that you have been managing your emotions in a way that is commendable; you recognize your feelings and try to contain them rather than expressing them outwardly. However, this suppression can lead to a buildup of unresolved emotions, which may eventually manifest as explosive outbursts or intense frustration. This pattern is not uncommon among individuals who feel they must maintain a facade of composure, especially in social situations.
The behaviors you describe, such as clenching your fists, crying, and physically expressing your frustration by kicking or hitting pillows, indicate that you are experiencing a significant amount of internal stress. This stress can stem from various sources, including unresolved conflicts, high expectations, or even past traumas that have not been fully processed. The fact that these episodes occur infrequently—every few months or so—might suggest that they are a response to accumulated stress rather than a chronic condition.
It's also worth considering the role of anxiety and depression in your experiences. Both conditions can lead to irritability and anger, often manifesting as a reaction to feeling overwhelmed or helpless. You mentioned that you have a high tolerance for stress and can forgive others easily, which is a positive trait. However, it may also mean that you are internalizing your feelings rather than addressing them, leading to the explosive episodes you described.
In psychological terms, this could be related to a concept known as "emotional dysregulation," where individuals struggle to manage their emotional responses effectively. This can lead to sudden outbursts of anger or frustration, particularly when the individual feels that their emotional needs are not being met or when they are faced with stressors that feel insurmountable.
To address these feelings, it may be beneficial to explore healthier coping mechanisms. Engaging in physical activities, such as exercise or sports, can provide an outlet for pent-up energy and frustration. Additionally, practices such as mindfulness, meditation, or journaling can help you process your emotions more effectively and reduce the likelihood of sudden outbursts.
If these feelings persist or worsen, seeking professional help from a psychologist or counselor could provide you with the tools to better understand and manage your emotions. Therapy can offer a safe space to explore the underlying causes of your anger and develop strategies to cope with it in a healthier way. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), in particular, is effective for addressing issues related to anger and emotional regulation.
In summary, while your experiences of unexplained anger may be troubling, they are not uncommon and can often be addressed through self-reflection and professional support. Understanding the root causes of your emotions and developing effective coping strategies can lead to a more balanced emotional state and improved overall well-being. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and taking the first step towards understanding your emotions can lead to significant positive changes in your life.
Similar Q&A
Understanding Emotional Instability: Seeking Help for Mental Health
Hello, although I have read many Q&As, I still doubt that I might not have a mental health issue, but rather a problem with my emotional intelligence, so I would like to ask. I feel that since last year, my emotions have become increasingly irritable. I often feel impatient, ...
Dr. Huang Jiabin reply Psychiatry
Hello: Yes, reality can be so frustrating, and sometimes the only option is to escape, isn't it? These feelings of frustration seem to have no one to confide in, unable to be embraced or processed, and of course, they can emerge like a wild beast waiting for the right moment...[Read More] Understanding Emotional Instability: Seeking Help for Mental Health
Understanding Unexplained Irritability: Causes and Solutions
Doctor, sometimes I suddenly feel unusually irritable for no reason. For example, when I'm just washing dishes, I might suddenly feel angry and want to throw things or scream. Could this be because I'm too tired? I've been busy preparing for college entrance exams ...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
Hello, if you are experiencing emotional distress due to recent stress and it is affecting your sleep, the most common cause may be adjustment disorder. Most people have the ability to self-heal and adapt. Sharing your feelings with friends and family or engaging in activities th...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Irritability: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Unexplained Anger: A Journey Through Mental Health Struggles
I want to know what is wrong with me... Am I still normal? Since I was young, I have been thinking about suicide, often contemplating how wonderful it would be if I were not in this world; yet I also calmly know that I cannot do that. I only recognized "depression" in h...
Dr. Liu Runqian reply Psychiatry
Symptoms of depression include: depressed mood, loss of interest in usual activities, cognitive and motor retardation, loss of appetite, weight loss, insomnia, fatigue and weakness in limbs, restlessness, self-blame, feelings of guilt, helplessness, worthlessness, hopelessness, a...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Anger: A Journey Through Mental Health Struggles
Understanding Unconscious Aggression: A Teen's Struggle with Anger
I tend to lose control of my emotions and exhibit unconscious violent tendencies when I am angered by a single person (such as throwing objects at their face or hitting them forcefully). I am a high school girl, and I noticed this behavior since the beginning of puberty. I always...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
Hello, Xiao Wu: Violent behavior when angry can have many possible causes. Insufficient coping skills for stress, certain personality traits (such as impulsivity), or mental disorders may all contribute. If it is an occasional issue related to emotional management and inadequate ...[Read More] Understanding Unconscious Aggression: A Teen's Struggle with Anger
Related FAQ
(Psychiatry)
Emotional Instability(Psychiatry)
Autism(Psychiatry)
Psychosomatic Disorders(Psychiatry)
Self-Injury(Psychiatry)
Dissociative Identity Disorder(Psychiatry)
Hypochondria(Psychiatry)
Adjustment Disorder(Psychiatry)
Psychological Counseling(Psychiatry)
Bulimia Nervosa(Psychiatry)