Rage.
It happens to the best of us. It is also one of the symptoms of a Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder which finds many moms and surprises them. The intensity. The depth. The sudden onset, as if it is a cat waiting around a corner to pounce at any moment.
Tonight’s chat will focus specifically on the issue of rage. How to recognize it as a symptom, what you can do to handle it, and how to educate those around you about this symptom which isn’t discussed nearly enough.
Whenever postpartum rage is discussed within our community, there is typically an overwhelming response. This response is a predictable “Me too!” or “I had NO idea the anger I experienced was a symptom of depression!” This is why it is important to discuss.
For me, rage attacked often. I found myself snapping for no reason at everyone around me – at my kids, my partner, the dogs…not even knowing why I was suddenly filled with this unstoppable flow of red hot rage. It went as quickly as it arrived most times. Sometimes, it hung around for a bit and faded slowly like a sunset. But whenever it was around, I found myself exhausted by its very presence. I wouldn’t say I tolerated it as much as I endured it. Slowly, I learned how to push it away as soon as it popped so much as a toe through the door to my brain but it took quite a bit for me to get to that point.
I sincerely hope you will join us tonight for this important discussion. I look forward to shining a bright light on the symptom that is rage and hearing how everyone approaches it and sends it on its merry way. See you this evening at 830pm ET, y’all!
