I can identify with the anger/rage and wanting to isolate. For me when I want to isolate from everyone it is a sign that I'm in the beginning stages of a full blown episode. The anger is a catch 22. It doesn't take a lot for me to get angry, and then I'm angry because someone made me anger, and then I'm angry at myself for reacting in ways that I wish I hadn't etc.

I've been diagnosed with PTSD for about 15 years or so now. I've found that all of my PTSD symptoms are secondary emotions. Even when I have a legitimate reason to be angry my anger turns into rage because the root feelings behind it gets set off.

I go into survival mode. It's automatic and the adrenaline kicks in within milliseconds, and it zaps me of every right thinking ability that I have. Especially when I perceive that someone is acting arrogant and condescending towards me. Like a boss might do.

There are three things that I'm working hard on in my life. I know that my symptoms are just that symptoms. I try to identify the root emotion that triggers my symptoms. Like fear as an example. The reason that I find that fear is such a problem for me is that fear is what puts me in survival mode.

What I try to do is...

1. Remove myself from the situation that causes me stress in an acceptable manner, (i.e.) Can you hold that thought for a moment, I need to go to the bathroom, or I have a splitting headache can we discuss this in a few minutes? Etc. This helps me prepare.
2. Identify the root emotion, and consider a technique to deal with that emotion.
3. Return and apply a communication technique that helps me feel safe. This could be as simple as blowing sunshine up a bosses you know what. I might say "thanks for pointing that out" or "You have a point I'll work on that".

I found that I don't have to win every battle, because more often then not winning the battle means losing the war. Commonsense dictates that if I become combative then the other person becomes combative, and the one with the most authority will often win that war.

These are just some things that help me when I'm able to apply them.

John