The Voice of Southwest Louisiana September 2017 Issue

SWLA feature story
By Carra Sergeant, LPC
Bitterness, Anger, Rage...
Peace in the Great Outdoors
It seems that we are inundated on
the internet everyday with people
spewing rage. The newspapers are
routinely showing vivid images of
violence. Television’s “Breaking News” and
radio headlines are filled with details of
horrific acts of aggression, leaving many
to feel overwhelmed, over connected,
overstimulated and. ANGRY...FILLED with
RAGE!!!!!
As children, some of us are taught very
early on that sharing our feelings may
make us look weak. As time goes on, we
learn that anger is the only “safe” emotion
because it conveys strength and power,
and most importantly, shows that we are
in “control.”
However, anger is mostly a secondary
emotion that effectively shields you from
getting in touch with the “root emotion”
you are experiencing.
Hebrews 12:15 (NIV)
encourages us to: “rid
ourselves of the bitter root,
so it does not grow up and
cause trouble to many.”
If we are willing to examine what is at the
“root” of our anger, most times we find
that we are feeling hurt, embarrassed,
scared, insecure, helpless, or worse,
hopeless.
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/evolutionthe-self/200807/what-your-anger-may-be-hiding
I have been a mental health practitioner
for more than 30 years, and even as a
seasoned therapist, I am not immune
to this “bitter root.” I have personally
experienced the anger, no - the SHEER
RAGE, born of:
• HELPLESSNESS…as an adult victim
of sexual assault
• HOPELESSNESS…while in the throes
of substance abuse issues
• INSECURITY…when my weight
ballooned to 350 pounds
• FEARFUL…facing my own mental
health diagnosis
• GRIEF...at death of both my parents
• EMBARRASSED…at “less than wise”
decisions I made while experiencing
all of the above
It seems HARD to maintain peace in
today’s world. Male role-models are
consistently targeted with violence,
single mothers trying to keep food on
the table and a roof over their children’s
heads, children living in a state of fear
and confusion because life sometimes
just deals them a hand that puts their
face down in the dirt, working families
living paycheck to paycheck and protests
declaring who and what matters.
In my private practice, my
clients generally voice one
universal message, “I am
in emotional trouble, I am
scared and I am angry.”
Fall Season is right around the corner and
is generally a time of change and
turnover. So, my dear readers and
viewers, in this season of change, you
have a choice to make: do you want to
live your life “in pieces” or do you want to
live your life “in peace?” If you choose
“peace,” start your journey today. GO
OUTSIDE (right now, if you can). Being
outside, communing with God’s nature
has been scientifically proven to have a
calming effect on your spirit. Even in a
busy urban environment, you can still
find a good place to “get still.” If there is
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September 2017 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 5 • Number 2