Your blood pressure might rise. Taking a few slow, deep breaths can calm your physiological response. When your body grows a little calmer, your brain might grow calmer too. Hold your breath for just a second and then exhale slowly through pursed lips for a count of three.
Do that three times and see if you feel a little better. Walk away for a minute and take an adult-sized time-out. Taking a quick break might be all you need to charge your batteries again so you can re-enter the situation feeling refreshed. Whether a break for you means a quick walk around the building or it means a few minutes of listening to music in your bedroom with the door shut, find something that can help you calm down fast.
Research shows that getting exercise can be good for your mental health. Physical activity has been used as an effective treatment for anxiety, mood disorder, eating disorders, and substance use disorders. So if irritability stems from a mental health issue, working out can help. On the flipside, however, too much exercise may increase irritability. If your exercise regimen seems to be worsening your mood, talk to your physician.
Chewing gum might be a quick way to relieve stress, which may be helpful in reducing your irritability. A study found that people felt less anxious and less stressed when they were chewing gum. It also improved their focus and attention. So the next time you feel a little irritable, reach for a piece of gum. You might find it helps you feel a little calmer and a little happier. When you catch yourself dwelling on the unfairness of a situation or thinking about how much you dislike something, reframe it.
Stick to the facts, rather than your judgments and emotions surrounding those facts. In the case of a traffic jam, you might remind yourself that there are millions of cars on the road every day and traffic jams are bound to happen.
Irritability can be a sign of a mental health issue, like depression. So if your irritability lingers for a couple of weeks or you are concerned about it, talk to your physician or reach out to a mental health professional.
Treating an underlying mental health issue may help resolve your irritability so you can feel better. A little irritability may just be a sign that you need to create some lifestyle changes. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services.
But is it really a physiological phenomenon — or just a grown-up version of crying for your bottle? When your blood sugar gets too low, it triggers a cascade of hormones, including cortisol a stress hormone and adrenaline the fight-or-flight hormone. These hormones are released into your bloodstream to raise and rebalance your blood sugar. So, there truly is a medical explanation for being hangry. In other cases, irritability in children and adolescents can indicate a mood or behavior disorder, such as:.
Mood and behavior disorders are relatively common. According to a study on mood and behavior disorders in children aged 3—17 years:. The causes of irritability in older adults are the same as those in younger adults, although there is an increased likelihood of mood swings, depression, and irritability having an association with physical pain, isolation, loneliness, or an underlying medical condition.
Learn more about the early signs of dementia here. The treatment options for irritability vary depending on the underlying cause. Effectively treating the cause will relieve feelings of irritability and other related symptoms. Medications, such as mood stabilizers and antidepressants , can help treat mood disorders. Professional counseling can help reduce mood-related symptoms, such as fear, worry, and irritability. Treatments for hormonal imbalances include diet and lifestyle changes as well as hormone therapy.
Hormone therapy may not work for everyone, so it is best to consult a trained healthcare professional before starting hormone supplements.
People can manage their irritability in several different ways. Certain methods will work better for some people than others. It is up to the individual to find which coping mechanisms best suit their personality and lifestyle.
People can experience periods of irritability in response to stressful situations. Persistent irritability may indicate an underlying physical or psychological disorder, such as:.
Children may appear irritable as a normal part of development. In other cases, irritability may be due to an infection, mood disorder, or behavior disorder, such as ADHD, depression, or anxiety. Older adults may also experience frequent periods of irritability if they feel isolated or lonely. People can speak with a doctor or a trained mental health professional if they feel that they need help managing their irritability.
However, making some simple changes to sleep habits can…. Most females experience at least some symptoms of premenstrual syndrome PMS. This article explores the symptoms, causes, and treatments of PMS. Mood stabilizers, such as lithium, can help treat a range of conditions, including bipolar disorder. These drugs are often effective, but there are…. Stress is a biological response to demanding situations and a regular part of daily life.
After having depression once, many people experience a relapse, either before recovery is complete or as a later, separate episode. Learn how to…. What causes irritability? Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, Ph. Life stress Depression Anxiety Phobia disorders Lack of sleep Low blood sugar Hormonal imbalance PMS In children In older adults Treatments Management Summary When a person feels irritable, small things that would not usually bother them can make them feel annoyed or agitated.
Life stress. Share on Pinterest Life stress is one of the major causes of irritability.
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