The problem with anger is it’s not a particularly constructive way of dealing with problems that come up in life. I mean, normal-sized problems. What would be better is to acknowledge whatever angry reaction you have to a situation, express or deal with the feeling somehow, and then be free to address the issues rationally. That’s probably where things like catastrophizing come into play. That is an unholy combination of strong negative feelings and an attempt to fix the problem.
I used to be admired or commended for my ability to let things roll off my back. Really I just deal with my negative feelings differently – I don’t deal with them, for the most part. They come out in odder ways, through my behavior and my difficulty doing things. And my ruminating. But one way or another, they are there and they affect me all too deeply.

originally published on 11/23/09