Reader’s Question

I know that this question will sound crazy but I have to ask. I have experienced rare moments when I might be talking to someone at work and all of a sudden I find myself thinking about just punching the person in the face or throwing coffee in their face as I am talking to them. These persons are persons that I see everyday and that I generally do like.

I am I going bonkers or what?

Our Clinical Psychologist’s Reply

No, not bonkers — stressed, probably. Under stress and/or when we are depressed, the low levels of a neurotransmitter called Serotonin often produce symptoms associated with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). People under stress suddenly find themselves counting things, engaging in rituals (avoiding sidewalk cracks, superstitions, etc.), and having distressing intrusive thoughts and compulsions. It’s not uncommon to feel like punching someone you dislike or who is annoying you. Those fantasies are totally normal and in a way healthy — they often keep us from actually attacking someone who probably deserves a good smack.

The key in your situation is that you like the individuals. Intrusive and obsessive thoughts like these create emotional distress. The level of distress is a clear sign that it’s related to stress and maybe depression. In Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder for example, folks often experience thoughts in their head that are distressing and contrary to their personality and values. Religious individuals may have obscene thoughts in their head and in post-partum depression (following childbirth), loving mothers may have obsessive thoughts about harming their infant.

I would take a stress inventory. Have you experienced a recent increase in stress, responsibility, obligations, and/or expectations? Has your job-related stressed increased? I’d recommend looking on the Internet for tips on stress reduction. I’d also recognize that these thoughts are “warning signs” of stress and at times, depression. For you, it’s likely that any time you are experiencing stress, this will be your warning sign — like the red lights on the dashboard of an automobile. Some folks get obsessive thoughts, others headaches, others dreams about past trauma, etc. Each person has a unique, custom-made warning sign of stress and impending depression. If you find you have depression, seek medical consultation and consider counseling. One out of four folks get a stress-produced depression in their lives. This may be your turn…but it’s very treatable.