by Lisa
(FL)
I'm a 25 year old woman. I have been in a relationship for about 3 years now. He broke up with me Sunday. He says I can't control my temper.
Soon as he says something small I blow up. And I act crazy. I don't know why but I do. He says I act like a man and less like a woman. I want to change. I'm not a mean person but when he says something stupid to me, my blood boils. I want to learn not to explode and be calm and not yell and curse.
I also get very depressed when he breaks up with me and I see it's my fault and how I need to change. I can't eat, can't sleep and can't focus when I know we are fighting. I love him very much and we have broken up and gotten together many times after I asked for a 2nd chance. He gave me many chances and this time I feel like he's really done. I'm scared. I want to change and I want him back.
I also sometimes get suicidal thoughts if I don't have him or can't be with him--at those times I don't want to live.
Please help me.
Response from Dr. DeFoore
Hello Lisa, and thanks so much for reaching out here on this site. Your story and your situation are very touching, and I will try to help you.
As hard as it is, I want you to shift your focus from the man in your life to yourself. The only way you can get better is if you make up your mind to look at and work on yourself. If you do that, it will really help you, and you might even be able to overcome your anger problems.
The kind of anger you describe is there for a reason. You just don't know what that reason is. One very good thing is that you're not blaming your man-friend for your anger. That is very positive. You are taking responsibility for your anger and your problems, and that makes it much more likely that you will be able to change.