Now I am new to this web site so I hope this is the right place to talk about this. I have a major issue on my anger. I get angry very easily and it hurts my girlfriend. I never get physical or anything but I just get more aggervated I guess but I feel like I am in a rage. But when I walk away I am fine in less than 5 seconds. I just hate it and I want to know what shall I do? I think its because of my father. He had major anger issues. Plus I am stressed out about not having a job and I am taking care of my, her and 4 cats. So that brings out alot of stress on me. Plus I want to know can stress really causes ulcers? What kind of medications will I need?
Gosengo13, first of all, welcome to WEGO Health. I'm glad that you found us, and hopefully you can find the type of support and outlet you need here. Please let me know if you ever need any help around our Ning group, I've been around since the beginning and would love to help if you want it.
Second, I wanted to let you know that this is a totally appropriate place to ask your questions about mental health issues. We strive to be a safe and inclusive community where we work on supporting one another through the issues that we live day-to-day with. It sounds like you have a handle on your anger management (clearly obvious as you are able to keep them from becoming physical) but are looking for other methods to vent.
Have you ever tried blogging? I often write "Dear You" letters to specific people who have irritated me at my blog where I am able to vent my frustrations in a safe and mostly anonymous place. I find it really soothing to get the words out and know that they aren't hurting anyone.
You mentioned that you're not working right now, which is incredibly stressful and can agitate even the most calm person, so please don't feel bad for being irritable, you clearly have recognized the issue. I'm sure you've also mentioned to your girlfriend that it isn't her fault you're upset, that there are underlying issues. Are you job hunting? Any leads?
Are you a regular exerciser? Doctors are always saying (and studies are always showing) that exercise is a great stress reducer. Even if you just dance around your living room (the cats will LOVE it!) for a few minutes, sometimes that's all it takes. It might also break the angry mood for you. Sometimes I just turn up my music really loud and sing along (badly) with it to get some anger out.
Moving on to the stress issues - stress *can* cause ulcers in certain people. Depending on your stress level, cortisol is released by your body, creating inflammation in the red blood cells. This can irritate your veins and arteries so it's important to eat lots of fiber to keep your inflammation down. Another irritant is stomach acid, which can effect your stomach lining. If you are found to have ulcers, most likely a physician will give you an antibiotic to kill the bacteria that can cause them as well as a antacid like Prilosec or even Tums to keep the acid levels at bay. You can get both of those medications over the counter if your stomach is already bothering you.
I suggest you check out some more of our WEGO Health groups to talk more about your concerns if you want.
Our Healthy Living group focuses on creating a well-balanced life that runs smoothly and healthfully.
The Mental Health group focuses more generally on a wider spectrum of mental health issues outside of depression and anxiety here.
WEGO Health's Gastrointestinal Diseases group may have more insight to ulcers and stomach issues than the mental health focused groups.
Then there is always the Men's Health group where guys can gather to talk about their own health issues!
Once again, welcome to WEGO Health and please do let me know if there's anything I can do to help you out!
First of all thanks so much! This helps a lot. I see that you have been a very big help to this web site. You are helping more than just me. Your helping everyone that cares about me and want to see me control my issues better. Anyways yes I do blog a lot. That does help. I don't get a chance to write all the time but I do when I can. I may be weird for doing this but I also walk around outside or inside and talk to myself like I am talking to someone else. The job problem is my main issue I think. I have been looking like crazy! In fact that is my job! haha something come along though. I just worry because I want my girlfriend to be taken care of first before anything. But haha I will try singing. In fact I will grab my girlfriend and she can join me. I know I can control it. Its going to take time though. But anyways thank you so much for the help.
gosengo13, I just replied to your question about gaining weight. Sarah is a great part of WEGO Health and had some fabulous ideas for groups for you to join and ask questions to. Another one I would suggest might be helpful is the Thyroid group. Irritability is very common with thyroid and adrenal disorders, as is the trouble gaining weight. Many are mis-diagnosed depressed or with anger issues or panic attacks, and indeed there is an organic reason why they are out of control. Finding and treating the trouble is vital to being healthy. I hope my answer in your forum question about gaining weight is helpful re: both the weight issues as well as your anger and gastrointestinal questions. Got more? Ask away! Got more to share, that's important too. Many more people read here than write. You help many by speaking up - you are a true Health Activist!