Depression & Anger: Connections & Treatments

What Is Depression?

Depression can range in severity, and there are numerous types of depression that are diagnosed based on the frequency, intensity, and specific kinds of symptoms someone is having. While sadness is a common emotion everyone experiences, depression is more than just feeling sad.

Depression is a complex condition caused by various factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, and life experiences. What makes people sad depends on their unique situation but may include grief, trauma, or stress. When sadness and hopelessness persist for weeks or months, a person is likely struggling with depression.

Common symptoms of depression include:

• Persistent sadness or emotional numbness
• Feeling worthless or helpless in most situations
• Experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm
• Difficulties with concentration or brain fog
• Losing interest in enjoyable hobbies and meaningful relationships
• Sleep disturbances
• Significant changes in appetite or weight
• Unexplained aches, pains, or other physical tension
• Feeling excessively restless
• Increased irritability
• Having low energy or fatigue

What Is Anger?

Anger is a secondary emotion. Similar to depression, there are numerous types of anger.¹ For example, some people become violent when angry. In those cases, the anger is apparent and dangerous. Other times, anger may be more covert and look like passive-aggressive behavior or gossip behind a person’s back.

Here are several common symptoms of anger:²

• Racing thoughts
• Explosiveness
• Impulsive behavior
• Feeling out of control emotionally
• Headaches
• Persistent irritation toward other people
• Elevated blood pressure
• Chronic muscle tension or tightness
• Memory problems
• Hostile thoughts
• Extreme thoughts about justice or revenge

Is Anger a Sign of Depression?

Anger can be a symptom of depression, but it is not always present in those diagnosed with depression. Some people may experience prolonged sadness and hopelessness without anger, while others may feel angry and sad at the same time.³

When anger is present in people with depression, it may be a sign that their symptoms are more severe or they are struggling to cope with emotions. Some people may also experience irritability or frustration instead of anger, which can also be a sign of depression.

Irritability & Depression

Irritability is a common symptom of depression, and many people who struggle with depression also report feelings of frustration or anger. Some individuals may experience irritability instead of sadness, making it difficult to recognize depression as the underlying issue. Irritability can be a sign of depression but may also stem from stress, anxiety, or sleep deprivation.

Depression & Hostility

Hostility can manifest differently depending on the individual, such as verbal or physical aggression, social withdrawal, or passive-aggressive behavior. Hostility with depression may result from overwhelming and pent-up internal symptoms.

Depression & Anger Outbursts

Depression and anger outbursts can be linked, as persistent sadness can sometimes turn into frustration. A person experiencing hopelessness or helplessness may be prone to outbursts, as these emotions can exacerbate rage or aggression.

Examples of angry depression outbursts include:

• Short but intense anger
• Irrational thought processes
• Jumping to conclusions that do not make sense
• Displays of anger mixed with or followed by sadness, shame, or guilt
• Blaming another person or a group of people for their feelings or situation
• Lack of insight regarding the source of anger

Does Depression Cause Anger?

People with depression often exhibit symptoms of overt or suppressed anger.⁴ For one, their depression may leave them feeling upset with themselves. In addition, depression can make it challenging to cope with and reconcile anger. Difficult emotions can quickly compound and become overwhelming if you lack the energy or motivation to use healthy coping skills.

However, it’s far too simplistic to assume that depression makes you angry. Instead, it’s better to suppose that a correlation and confounding variables may contribute to this relationship. Depression may trigger more anger, and unresolved anger might exacerbate depression.

Possible causes of anger with depression include:

Brain Chemistry

Evidence suggests that those with depression exhibit imbalances in brain chemistry. One study found that participants had lower levels of the neurotransmitter glutamate in brain areas that affect mood and cognitive function.³ Further studies argue that glutamate receptors may also play a role in aggressive tendencies.⁵ Therefore, researchers reason that abnormal brain chemistry may contribute to both depression and anger.

Gender

In many cases, it’s more socially acceptable for men to be aggressive than women. For instance, society often praises young men for “acting tough.”⁶ Conversely, women are typically socialized to avoid anger, and crying or depression tends to be less stigmatized.

Therefore, men who showcase anger may really be struggling with depression masked by aggression. Likewise, women who present with depressive symptoms may have severe cases of suppressed or pent-up anger.

Age

Age can impact how anger and depression are expressed. As people age, they may experience changes in their physical health, social support, and life circumstances that can positively or negatively affect their mental health. For example, older adults may be more likely to report depression and anger due to chronic illness, social isolation, or loss of independence.⁷

In addition, there are anger disorders more commonly expressed by individuals of certain ages. Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is characterized by recurrent episodes of fierce anger and aggression that are out of proportion to the situation, and many individuals with IED report getting mad over little things. IED can occur at any age but is more frequent in young adults. Depression can worsen symptoms, contributing to one feeling depressed and angry all of the time.

Poor Lifestyle Habits & Lack of Support

Maintaining unhealthy lifestyle habits can negatively affect a person. For example, evidence suggests that a diet high in processed foods and sugar may increase inflammation in the body and heighten symptoms of depression. Substance abuse may also result in brain chemistry changes that contribute to depression and anger.

Additionally, a lack of support can also exacerbate symptoms. Social support protects against depression and can help individuals cope with stress, frustration, and anger.

History of Trauma

Trauma can result from numerous experiences, such as abuse, neglect, or witnessing disaster, and affect the body and brain in complex ways. For example, trauma can alter brain chemistry and stress response systems, contributing to mood disturbances, anxiety, depression, or anger.

Anger Turned Inward

The belief that internalized anger can contribute to depression is a common theme in mental health research and practice, and some clinicians postulate that depression is simply “anger directed inwards.” For example, pent-up anger can create a cycle of negative emotions that contribute to the development and maintenance of depression.⁸

Anger Turned Outward

While some individuals with depression internalize their anger, others may experience “anger turned outward.” Sadness turns to anger when individuals feel helpless and frustrated by their depression. Thus, they may lash out at others to cope with overwhelming feelings. Unfortunately, these outbursts can create challenges in interpersonal relationships and contribute to feelings of guilt or shame.

Co-occurring Conditions

Depression frequently occurs with other mental health conditions, and these combinations may trigger more anger. Substance use disorders, depression, and anxiety strongly correlate with expressions of irritability, anger, and aggression.

When anxiety and depression are comorbid, individuals may struggle to manage their emotions and cope with daily stressors. They may grow frustrated and irritable due to these overwhelming symptoms, resulting in negative thoughts and behaviors that can be difficult to break.