When we are prone to stress, anxiety, and otherwise under pressure, this part of the brain can react instantly, without giving the intellectual side of our brain a chance to reason things out. Someone with a tendency to fly off the handle at the least little thing may well be suffering from undue stress and anxiety.
It's important to never judge another person; instead, do your best to help them to lower the volume, dry the tears, and/or find a solution. Next, you must remain calm when the yelling starts. Do not react outwardly to the uproar they're making.
So when you find yourself sweating the small stuff, it might be a sign that there are other, deeper problems you aren't dealing with, making you liable to blow a gasket at any moment. Many people who overreact tend to overthink situations that don't go their way, leaving them incapable of thinking about anything else.
Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is an impulse-control disorder characterized by sudden episodes of unwarranted anger. The disorder is typified by hostility, impulsivity, and recurrent aggressive outbursts. People with IED essentially “explode” into a rage despite a lack of apparent provocation or reason.
It could be something as simple as being hungry or tired. Or, maybe something recently happened in your life that has you feeling scared, angry, or stressed out. Mental health struggles can also make you irritable, so if you haven't taken one of our mental health test yet, try that.
Abstract. Anger is present as a key criterion in five diagnoses within DSM-5: Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder and Bipolar Disorder.
Another reason we get angry over small things is that we personalize everything that happens to us. So even if something has nothing to do with us, we can't help but take it personally. This can lead to feeling like we're constantly under attack, making us angry.
Common situations within relationships that trigger intense emotions include rejection, betrayal, disapproval, unjust treatment, or feeling misunderstood. In general, if you find yourself lashing out, it is important to take a look at some of your emotional triggers. Doing so with a professional can be helpful.
It's natural to get upset when things don't go as planned, because not knowing what to expect and not feeling in control can be stressful. However, it can be helpful to keep an open mind, focus on finding solutions, and work on being more flexible.
SSRIs that have been shown to help with anger include citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), among others. Sertraline seems to have the most supporting data. Other classes of antidepressants, like serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), aren't widely used for treating anger.
Medication. Different types of medications may help in the treatment of intermittent explosive disorder. These may include certain antidepressants — specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) — anticonvulsant mood stabilizers or other drugs if needed.
If someone is aware they have temper issues, support them in getting over this habit. You can encourage their good behaviour and ask them to monitor it themselves. Additionally, they can also pick up some techniques such a meditation and/or workout sessions that may allow a more productive outlet for the anger.
Stonewalling is when a person in a relationship withdraws from an interaction, shuts down, and simply stops responding to their partner. Rather than confronting the issue, people who stonewall resort to evasive maneuvers.
It may be because of emotional baggage, the desire to assert control or independence, to test boundaries, or simply, because people may just expect a lot from the other. Some may have a fear of intimacy, due to cultural upbringing, or because of living through traumatic or abusive relationships.
Dr. Stern says that an occasional meltdown is completely normal. “You may suddenly burst into tears or lash out with anger because you feel out of control, overwhelmed with pressures and things in your life that are unpredictable. That doesn't mean something is 'wrong' with you,” she says.
Sometimes overreacting can be related to past trauma or even just a sign that you're feeling stressed, anxious, or emotionally overwhelmed.
The answer is: TRAUMA. At some point in our past, someone traumatized us in a way that made us feel exactly the way that person, who yanks our chain, makes us feel. Only this time, we recognize this behavior and we don't tolerate it any longer.
Not only is BPD one of the most painful mental illnesses, but it's also intensified by stigma and being misunderstood by others. Fortunately, borderline personality disorder is a treatable condition, and the pain doesn't have to be endless.
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder: Compulsive personalities are conscientious and have high levels of aspiration, but they also strive for perfection. Never satisfied with their achievements, people with compulsive personality disorder take on more and more responsibilities.
Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is a mental health condition marked by frequent impulsive anger outbursts or aggression. The episodes are out of proportion to the situation that triggered them and cause significant distress.