Ask Dr. Schwartz
Psychotherapy and Mental Health questions

I am a young adult who suffers from depression. However, the one thing that truly makes me happy is being with someone. When I am with someone my outlook improves drastically. I am more motivated and outgoing, but, I recently realized something else. I become far more aggressive. I just started going steady with my new girlfriend after having a big low. Now I'm exercising more, getting into physical sports, and generally behaving more like an alpha male. It was going great until I got in a fight the other night as a result of road rage. I have NEVER had that happen before. I am generally a very passive individual. I am wondering if being in a relationship directly relates to my recently aggressive behavior. It should be noted that I am in no way violent towards my partner.

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