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Posted 7/23/2008 12:06 AM (GMT 0)
I'm 49 and the mother of two teens and a 20 YO. I've been married to a nice guy for 22 years. I substitute teach. I'm bipolar 2 and on Lamictal, Geodon, Welbutrin, Klonopin, and Topamax,

And I'm suddenly really, really angry.

I'm normally mostly easy going. Sure I get mad at the kids and at my husband here or there. But now it's like everything is setting me off. We've been on a couple of family trips recently and I had a miserable time. The same old jokes my husband tells, my kids arguing, and rudeness from service people all made my temper really flare.

Two nights ago I was in a restaurant and I ordered some enchiladas. The server asked if I wanted mushroom or chicken. (This was an eclectic Mexican place.) I said I'd like a little of both in my enchiladas. She frowned and said...."I don't know about that...I'd have to ask...it's normally EITHER chicken OR mushroom!"

So big deal....but I about passed out I was so mad. I didn't say anything to anyone but I was just steaming inside. I seriously think I could have a heart attack from getting so angry over nothing.

My husband has had a cold and has had a lingering cough. This has driven me CRAZY because he refuses to take cough syrup. (He says if you suppress a cough you'll get pnuemonia!) So he coughs at night and coughs in restaurants and on our trip. I have been gritting my teeth and literally wanting to slap him.

Could this be menopause? Bipolar? Old age? I always wondered how people could punch holes in their walls but know I think I can understand how it could happen.

I remember my psychologist a long time ago saying that anger unexpressed turns into depression. I don't need that.

Posted 7/23/2008 2:19 AM (GMT 0)
Not exactly the response I was looking for!
Posted 7/23/2008 2:31 AM (GMT 0)
Marthamae, I'm sorry but there is a former member who has an anger problem herself that's out of control.  Hopefully she will stop and realize the harm she is doing to other people who came here for help.  Please be patient.  One of the moderators here will be able to help you soon.  Sorry.

Posted 7/23/2008 2:31 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Marthamae:

It could be menopause, or bipolar. You could be hypomanic -- which always presents itself to me as extreme irritation and anger. Most importantly, what are some ways you can work out some of this anger so you aren't just suppressing it? That can't be healthy. A good therapist can help. Exercise. Write about your annoyances in a journal, maybe?

serafena
Posted 7/23/2008 2:32 AM (GMT 0)
No problem Lanie...I'm fine. I totally understand. Thanks for popping in. :)
Posted 7/23/2008 2:45 AM (GMT 0)
You know, I could be hypomanic. I have been getting a LOT done and taking on a few projects. Oh, ick. That figures. Right when you start feeling "good" it means you're probably getting sick again.

I remember a while back my husband was with me at the pdoc's office and my husband told the doc I was sort of manic and the doc said....who cares? she's been depressed so long give her a break!

No rest for the wicked.
Posted 7/23/2008 2:54 PM (GMT 0)
have you seen a therapist about this?
Posted 7/23/2008 4:50 PM (GMT 0)

Hiya marthamae :-)

I read your post and thought that you sound a lot like me right now!

I understand your frustration. Sometimes don't ya just think you're justified in all this? Like your husband being rude and coughing all over things constantly and not taking and medicine for it and risking everyone else to become sick because they are just ignorant! That exact thing happened to me a few months ago with my husband and son. It was really making me mad and I sure did voice my opinion about it! mad

Oh and about your server at the restaurant....really there are some that are so lame! But it's alway's "us" that has the problem, right? This irritates me to no end! mad lol

Anyway,...usually I try to step back and compose myself. When that doesn't work and it has been going on like this for at least a week or two or more....lol....I let my pdoc know about it. Last time he told me to increase my mood stabilizer as needed. As it turned out I had to increase it permanently!

It helped me for a good period of time. Now my husband has  recently said to me that I am still "ruffled around the edges" some and would like for me to talk to my pdoc about it and suggested that maybe I start with a new one!!!!

He thinks that this "medication adjustment process" is taking too long and that it is time for me to find a new doctor! mad

Best of luck to you. I hope some of this info helps? sad

P.S. I do see a therapist and have discussed this issue with her. She too feels that I am justified a lot of the times but does say that I need to focus on not letting it get the best of me the way it does.

Posted 7/23/2008 5:32 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all of your help.

I will definitely call this week and make an appt with my therapist. I think it'd be good also for my husband to go with me.

Thanks again.

Posted 7/23/2008 10:52 PM (GMT 0)
doesn't sound like anything out of the ordinary to me, haha. i'm like that 75% of the time, and i've been sticking to my meds pretty well. *sigh* just part of the package, i presume. hormones and stuff probably play a role as well...
Posted 7/24/2008 7:48 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Martha

I take Lamictal, Topamax, and Lexapro now. Also Zyprexa Zydis as needed for anxiety.  Oddly enough, I don't have anger issues with my bipolar condition - either with the highs or the lows.

Sounds like you have legitmate reasons to be angry though you may feel that your reactions are out of proportion to the causal events.

Georgie Girl

Posted 7/29/2008 12:13 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Marthamae:

I take lamictal, imiprimine, and cypralex. I have anger issues sometimes. It is the most little of things that piss me right off. It is a good question you ask... Is it the bipolar, is it age, and so forth. It really is hard to say sometimes!

The only time I was really manic (don't remember) started by me getting angry and smashing stuff and yelling at people in the streets, the next thing I knew I was naked and had no idea where I was. So I try to keep an eye on my anger, if I get in a rage I pop some zyprexa.
Posted 7/29/2008 2:01 AM (GMT 0)
Marthamae...just saw your post now. How are you doing today? I deal with the anger issues a lot. When I was a teen and undiagnosed/unmedicated, I destroyed my bedroom wall from kicking it and hitting it. I even broke my wrist once hitting a closed door. Obviously extreme cases and not my proudest of moments. Anyway as of late I've been really sick physically so that's been affecting me psychologically as well as the fact that my meds aren't regulated yet so I'm totally there with you. I've been snapping at my boyfriend for every little thing...while some things are justified some are just plain silly to be so upset over. Anyway my advice is just keep in touch with your pdoc/therapists and see if your meds need adjusting. I'm sure the hormone thing could be playing a part in it too. Like a couple of the others here the only med that has truly worked for me to snap me out of a severe manic or anger phase is zyprexa. Unfortunately I am overweight already and can't afford any extra weight gain so once I leveled out they took me off of it asap since I gained 30lbs. Hope you are doing better...keep us updated.
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