RAGE and ANGER management with SS(AKA neurological overload)
It is an awful social problem that many of us have mentioned, how bad do you get rage, who do you take out on (normally close families feel the worst of it however sometimes we can take it outside the house).
Is this something that you suffer from, do you have any techniques for how to deal with it? Many SS sufferers would like to know.
Do you have it, are you caring for someone that has it and how do you deal with it?
Here are some responses from members of our FaceBook community:
----- gets angry when he gets frustrated. Sometimes he can’t get things to work ( like his computer) and it makes him very angry. He might throw the object of frustration. When we’re in public sometimes he gets angry when he is tired of waiting for an appointment or doesn’t understand something. He shouts very loudly. He’s completely deaf so he doesn’t know how loud he is. He takes daily meds to help his mood but they don’t always work.
I struggle with the no filter problem and unfortunately it's my husband who takes the brunt of it. I can't deal with official phone calls or family gatherings. If I'm struggling and stressed or in pain I will snap. It's not fair but nothing about ss ever is. I have a saying that helps "what is the need of the moment?' My husband came out with that one. It helps me focus and redirect. I'm getting better at controlling the outbursts and save the swearing for the garden
A family member had a lot of rage before and after the diagnosis. When I started looking more into SS, I learned that if there is significant damage in the cerebellum area, it can affect emotions. What I learned was for years they didn't think the cerebellum had anything to do with emotions, but they discovered in fact it does. I attributed the rage to that as well as circumstantial because it's such an awful condition to live with.
----- gets quite angry, I didn't think about it being a symptom directly
I had put it down to her memory issues which are her main SS symptoms xx
---- gets angry and frustrated as he wants to go back to work, but he knows he can't, I can't tidy his room as he has to have everything where he can see it due to short term memory loss, I cope by shutting his door, and going into my room.
---- often gets frustrated and angry with me over trivial things, not being able to go to work is frustrating for him, also not going out unless with me or carer angers him too.
My struggle is more with lack of filters. Knowing this I tend to be careful in crowds and places that can trigger emotions. Funerals are a big no, as are big get togethers. I can see how seizures can happen just from the overload. I have switched off once and had to do an "apology tour" later. Apologies were accepted (doctors) and I now know where that line is and will be more careful, for as long as I am able. Along the same lines I will cry at nothing. Such a bizarre creature, this SS. Hang in.
I find I have no fuse.
I’m either perfectly calm and okay, or I’m totally flying off the deep end! No middle emotion, I’m never just annoyed - it’s either 0 or 100! I’ve got much better at controlling it recently but stress or illness makes it worse! I do a lot of mindfulness work as part of my therapy (therapy is for various things, some related to SS and some not) and I find that really helps me.
It makes me take an extra breath before speaking and that’s often enough for me to catch myself before I fly off the handle!
It’s tough though, Jason Roberts, I feel your pain x
Sue Glassey
I used to blame my seizure med as they are known to do this, but since my diagnosis of SS , I think it’s that. As a child, young adult, I was very quiet and placid, but not now. Definitely no filter. Thank you for bringing that one up Jason
Tracy Miller
My rage comes from frustration of not being able to do things I want or need to do. Just doing simple household chores can put me into a rage. I have thrown things, broke things and used a lot of bad words. Now I just get very quiet when I am mad or frustrated since I have to replace items that I broke during my raging. When I feel a rage coming on I sit and watch funny videos on Facebook or watch a comedy on television.
Anonymous member
Not sure if my short fuse anger is SS related. What I get annoyed with most is I explain my condition to family and friends, in particular the hearing issues I’m experiencing. I’ll explain in detail the constant noises, whooshing sounds, ringing, beeping, even repetitive sing or chanting sounds. These conversations last anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour or so, we just talk about it, I feel I’m getting heard. Then weeks or months later we chat again, this time I mention I’m on the waiting list for a cochlear implant. Do you want to know what was the response from a couple of friends? It was along the lines of ….”…good for you!… it must be hell to live in silence..” WTF????? I mean I have explained my (hearing) situation only for them to say that in our next conversation!
Even talking generally about my SS and how month after month I feel a slight decline in my balance, hearing, more fatigue and needing more naps during the day. I explain how this is a chronic condition, then I have a follow up conversation and they’ll say something like “…how are you? I hope you’re improving”
Yep, life living with SS.
Mindy Seebach
I just constantly remind myself that getting mad triggers my symptoms … it doesn’t always work.
Judy Slomka Menker
Once Brad started on ---- brand CBD oil daily, we noticed a huge difference. It gives him the ability to focus and take a breath before blowing up. Took about a month but we definitely know if he forgets.
Lynne Jones
There’s definitely rage with my SS -----, but to some extent, there has always been some there.
Susan Hage
Adam is the total opposite. It's me who loses my temper at the slight thing going wrong. I'm diagnosed autistic, and definitely have ADHD too.
Sharon Lee
----- gets angry at certain times however she’s 86 and has also got dementia so it’s difficult to distinguish between that and SS in all honesty. She says some awful things to me and she looks at me as if she hates me. She wouldn’t let me hug her or kiss her today. I know it’s not ‘her’ but gosh it’s upsetting.
Maddy Sutherland
My mum is dead now, but she was always quite an angry person. If anything, she seemed a bit less angry after the diagnosis.
Jason Roberts
I believe that is true. I have just been barking off at everybody for no good reason. I am using Pilates and these gummies that have mushrooms in them. I find I am a much better person.
My sincere apologies to those whose lives I made a misery. I was so convinced that I was not in control that I created this post to find out if others were going through this, unfortunately I am not the only one. I am getting help organised however I presently strike like a snake if pushed.
Please let those that need to know, this is a part of our condition that we hate, making moves to be a nicer person is the best we can do.
The conclusion?
Rage and anger are a part of the condition superficial siderosis. There are things that we can do to ease this problem however, it seems that this is a common trait. Please note that we do not intend to be angry or 'fly off the handle', please empathise with us and help us to stay in a calm environment.
This article is dedicated to the ones I have hurt, I cannot and I am sure everyone above that suffers rage, express how sorry and regretful we are.
Jason
Explaining neurological overload
*Neurological Overload: Understanding the Impact on Mental Health*
Neurological overload, also known as sensory overload or information overload, occurs when the brain receives more stimuli than it can process. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, fatigue, and decreased productivity.
*Causes of Neurological Overload:*
1. *Sensory stimuli*: Loud noises, bright lights, or strong smells can overwhelm the brain.
2. *Information overload*: Excessive data, social media, or multitasking can lead to mental fatigue.
3. *Emotional stress*: Trauma, anxiety, or significant life changes can impact neurological well-being.
*Symptoms:*
1. Anxiety and stress
2. Fatigue and burnout
3. Difficulty concentrating
4. Irritability and mood swings
5. Physical symptoms like headaches or migraines
*Managing Neurological Overload:*
1. *Prioritize self-care*: Engage in relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing.
2. *Set boundaries*: Limit exposure to overwhelming stimuli.
3. *Practice mindfulness*: Focus on the present moment.
4. *Seek support*: Consult with mental health professionals.
*Conclusion:*
Neurological overload is a common experience in today's fast-paced world. By understanding its causes and symptoms, individuals can take proactive steps to manage their mental well-being.
Would you like more information on managing stress or improving mental health?