Irritability

What is important to know

Irritability can be an independent reaction to overload, but it also occurs with anxiety and depression, emotional exhaustion, sleep disorders and some other mental disorders.

For some people, depression is manifested not so much by sadness, but by increased irritability, intolerance and outbursts of anger.

Irritability can also be worsened by chronic pain, hormonal changes, certain medical or neurological conditions, the use of alcohol or other substances, and the use of certain medications.

How irritability can manifest itself

A person may notice that:

began to get angry faster over little things;

ordinary noise, conversations or requests from others begin to irritate more;

impatience and a feeling of internal tension appear;

it is more difficult to calmly react to mistakes – your own or others’;

sharp responses, conflicts or outbursts of anger arise;

after an episode of irritation, regret or guilt appears;

I want to avoid communication because those around me are starting to “irritate me too much.”

What to pay attention to

How long ago has irritability increased and how often does it occur?

Has it become noticeably stronger compared to your usual state?

Are there specific situations in which irritation occurs more often?

Is the condition associated with lack of sleep, overload, pain or severe stress?

Is there simultaneous anxiety, depressed mood, apathy, decreased interest or severe fatigue.

Have your sleep, appetite, energy levels, or ability to concentrate changed?

Have unusually high activity, a sharp decrease in the need for sleep, impulsivity, or rapid thoughts.

Did the increase in irritability coincide with the start of medication, change in dosage, or use of substances.

Does irritability lead to conflicts, aggressive behaviour, problems at work or deterioration in relationships.

What can help

If irritability is associated with overwork or lack of sleep, restore your routine if possible, reduce excessive stress and take regular breaks.

At a time of increasing irritation, it sometimes helps to temporarily leave the situation, reduce the amount of external stimuli, slow down your breathing, or postpone the conversation until the tension subsides.

It will also help to track recurring triggers: lack of sleep, hunger, pain, prolonged stress, conflicts, or the need to constantly restrain emotions.

If irritability has become significantly stronger than usual, it is important not to limit yourself to self-control, but to try to understand its cause.

When to ask for help

Contact your doctor or mental health professional if your irritability persists for a long time, gets worse, regularly leads to conflict, or noticeably affects your work, relationships, or daily life.

Consultation is especially important if irritability appears suddenly, is accompanied by significant changes in sleep, energy, mood or behaviour, or occurs after the start or change of drug therapy.

If during outbursts of irritation there is a risk of harming yourself or another person, urgent professional help is needed.