I get that way too. In fact, I am really pissed off today at everything, and I really don't know why. I'm just angry and irritable in general. I'm still working on getting a proper diagnosis, but I am pretty sure I am bipolarII. If this happens to you periodically without much reason, you might want to read up about bp11 to see if any of it fits you. Otherwise, it may be caused by stress or lack of sleep. If this doesn't happen to you normally, I'd say the latter are probably the culprit.

Thanks for your reply Kendroid. I do know about bpII but I don't think thats what this is. The reason I do not think that this is what it is is because I do not cycle between the two poles. I think its more of a side effect of the frustration from the depression and insomnia. Although I will keep my eyes open to the bi-polar spectrum just in case. Thanks again!

Yeah, insomnia will definately cause you to be stressed out and on edge. I don't have any eral suggestions to calm down, but maybe try the "count to 10 and take deep breaths" trick, buy a stress ball, listen to soothing music, etc. I think your best bet is trying to get on better sleep meds so you can get rested.

I get the same thing often, thought I was bipolar for ages, turns out Im a borderline personality disorder sufferer.
there are many types of depression that cause this, talk to your doctor and be as honest as you can.
To manage it for the time being try finding things that can be smasked easily but are no longer of use to you. I used to smash up doors and things, so a release can help. get a punching bag

You said, "I automatically go to freak out mode. Why am I doing this?!?! Why do I feel like I have no control over this." This the exact reason why you go from 0 to 60 in the blink of an eye: b/c you feel so out of control about everything, you go freak-o on every little thing that you can't manage.

I don't know about anger management b/c I've never done it. I would suggest, rather, meditation along a buddhist line. Pick up S. Suzuki's _Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind_ if you think you might want to look into this.

Otherwise, there are a multitude of reasons to be genuinely, legitimately enraged if someone is stepping over the line with you. One of my mantras is, Don't make your problems my problems. If someone tries to shuffle their problems at me--at the laundromat, with a vendor (locksmith), etc.--I can quickly go apeshit crazy if I sense that I'm being taken advantage of. Now, part of this is cultural, I'm a male and I'm from WV--so I can pull crazy out of a hat quicker than Bush can fuck up a sentence. The trick is, learning what things are worth the effort and expense of energy on my part, and what are just daily life crap that I need to let slip 'cause life doesn't always roll at me as I'd wish it to.

I usually fly off the handle when I have to talk to someone, who, number one, is n ot listening; such as bill collectors; and two, act like asses on the phone when you are trying to tell them what the problems is. You know the ones I talking about, they sound like they are reading a script and never deviate from it.


I asked my shrink about this once, told him I had fits of anger. He just asked if I had a reason to be mad? Well, I thought so at the time!

My daughter use to hate to go with me to exchange something at a department store. She knew I would loose it, and it embarassed her. Once, I realized that, I started trying to work on how I react in public.

I also think I use anger as a motivator. Once, I get pissed enough, I get up and do what I need to do.

Im thinking honey that to get that upset over things is really not good for your health. I know that I am angered easy especially when someone points out my faults that I am aware of but dont want to admit to.. Being angry takes to much of our energy. Maybe try to think twice before getting angry.. I think sometimes in the situation, people are trying to see how far they can push.. Maybe try doing a reversal and be as nice and calm as possible with still getting your point across. It may just shock the hell out of em.. Just my opinion.. Hugs from a bear...

Wow I have gotten some great replies so far.
As far as anger management classes - I would be up for it. But im not sure if I qualify. I mean YES I do get angry but it's not all the time. When I'm not depressed I try to be all zen. So would an anger management class be right for me even though there are times that I can be calm?
I always feel like people are out to get me and that I feel like the victim.
Limogesguy - I will def. check out those books! I have been trying to meditate. Im working on it. For some reason I find it difficult to just sit still and focus on my breathing.
I get even more depressed after my anger tantrums because I feel so guilty over the fact that I didnt keep calm. Like i failed a test.

yes
yes
therapy
yes x

I felt that way about a year or so ago. Doc thought I was BP but later changed her DX back to depression.

You see, I was staying up late, sometimes not sleeping for a day or so. Not giving your body enough rest and/or insomnia will definately agitate the depression and make you hyper sensitive to situations that normally wouldn't affect you.

Talk to your doc. Express how your feeling, be honest and tell him/her that you aren't sleeping much. Ask for a sleeping aide in addition to whatever, if any, meds you take. I take Lunesta and I love it! I don't take it all the time though, just when the night owl in me appears or I get really anxious and can't sleep.

Hope this helps, hugs xxxxx

Add financial stress on top of not getting enough rest, you can go it to freak out mode. Been there done that but the good thing is, you can get better. :)