Why am I taking it out on the world?

[amelia18]

I feel angry with the world, I know it's not the worlds fault I have MS I just feel angry with everyone since I've been dx, April 19,2012.

At times I feel like i'm getting better with dealing with it but then I just snap and i'm angry again. I'm jealous of all the healthy people while i'm stuck with this horrible disease!!

I take things out on my family at times when I shouldn't because it's not their fault but i'm trying I really am they just don't understand that I really am trying to control my anger. I just feel so out of place around my family and friends anymore.

[Redwings]

Hi amelia:
Adjusting to a live-changing diagnosis -- and saying goodbye to the life you were used to -- is something like adjusting to the grief of death. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross described the steps of grief in her book [I]On Death and Dying[/I]. It's normal to have to go through all of the steps of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.

No one else who hasn't gone through the stages themselves can really understand what it's like. So it isn't realistic to expect that anyone else's life is going to change just because yours has.

It sounds like you're going through the normal process of dealing with a shocking change in your life. You're already in the anger phase. If Elizabeth Kubler-Ross is correct -- and there's a lot of evidence that she is -- the depression stage is yet to come. You might, then, want to consider getting some help from a mental health professional in learning strategies to handle your anger now and your depression when it comes later.

Seeking help from a therapist doesn't mean that there's anything "wrong" with you. When you had a medical problem, you consulted a medical professional. If you have a pet, you've probably taken it to a veterinarian. If your car needed work, you probably took it to a mechanic. It's the same with psychological issues -- consulting a psychiatrist or psychologist is the next logical and appropriate step in getting help with anger and depression. So if you think those emotions are more than you can handle on your own, or if you feel guilty about them, please don't hesitate to consult a mental health professional.

[MandaPanda2888]

I comeletoey agree with redwings. It's hard and difficult to accept the fact we are sick. It sucks to hear that you have MS. But I was seeing a therapist and psychologist long before I as dxd with MS. No shame in seeking help. Depression and anger can be overwhelming but not impossible.

[amelia18]

Thank you all for the great advice.