by: Wyrmwood
Many guys in our society have problems with anger, and depression. We have
never really been taught how to deal with our feelings. Often strong anger
triggered by small events have their roots in much deeper pain - unresolved
anger and emotions of the past. You may not think that you have any, but these
things have a way of leaking up to the surface until you dive down and release
them.
Depression in guys is often a result of either not being able to express how you feel about something (passive anger), or dissatisfaction in your life, or not knowing how to deal with an issue (feelings of helplessness or being overwhelmed).
For the first one, if I am feeling unsettled and depressed, I look within myself - to issues and events of my past - anything that has caused me anger or sadness - I feel the pain, ride with it, understand it, and release it. You would be amazed how much better you can feel after something like that.
For the second one, I might take out my frustrations on a punching bag, do something physical - go for a long, fast, aggressive walk, until I feel a bit more calm within myself. There are many times when I am angry but can't express it due to the situation I'm in, and that anger needs to come out and be expressed at a later date.
For the third one, I will go for a walk, or just sit down somewhere and think about the issue and everything relating to it. Sometimes, spending quiet time thinking about things can help with your understanding of the issue, and how to deal with it. You are never helpless.
There is always action you can take - you just have to make sure it is positive action - ie constructive.
Talking about your anger and depression can often help. This is a huge issue for males everywhere - and it is likely that by talking about it to a friend, you may find that you open doors that were once closed, and discover that they too have those experiences. We are often afraid to talk about issues like anger and depression to other males, and without talking about it, how can we understand it?
We often avoid action due to fear of physical or emotional pain, but often cause ourselves more pain by our inaction. Wounds heal and we can grow stronger from them (we don't heal if we don't let ourselves). Now is the time to grow. Now is the time to learn. And ask yourself, what can you teach others? (and don't say nothing - everyone, and I mean EVERYONE has something that they can teach).
blessings on your path,
Wyrmwood