Irritability is characterized by feeling easily annoyed, frustrated, and impatient in response to things that normally would not provoke such strong reactions. It involves having a low frustration tolerance and being more prone to anger, frustration, and agitation than usual.
Irritability can manifest in different ways, such as:
- Feeling on edge all the time - Getting annoyed or angry by minor things - Having frequent outbursts of anger - Being impatient and restless - Lashing out at others over small matters
Some common causes of increased irritability include:
- Stress - When we're under a lot of stress, it's harder to keep irritability under control. Chronic stress can make someone prone to irritation. - Lack of sleep - Not getting enough sleep reduces one's ability to manage emotions like anger and frustration. - Hormonal changes - Fluctuations in hormones related to menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause or menopause can increase irritability. - Medical conditions - Irritability can be a symptom of conditions like depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and chronic pain. - Medication side effects - Some medicines used for health issues like blood pressure, seizures, nerves, etc. can cause increased irritability as a side effect.
Dealing with irritability:
- Identify triggers and try to minimize exposure to irritants - Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga - Exercise regularly to manage stress - Get enough sleep - Avoid alcohol and caffeine - Try supplements like omega-3s, magnesium, vitamin D - Consider hormone balancing options if related to hormonal causes - See a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions
If irritability is severe and persists, it's important to see a mental health professional. With therapy and sometimes medication, chronic irritability can be managed. Hormone Harmony has helped many patients find relief from irritability related to hormonal causes through customized bioidentical hormone therapy, nutrition plans, and lifestyle changes. Their holistic approach helps identify root causes and get irritability under control safely and naturally. You can book a consultation to determine if hormone optimization could help you manage irritability.
In summary, irritability involves feeling annoyed, impatient and angry more easily than normal. Identifying and addressing the potential causes, and learning anger management strategies, can help prevent irritability from affecting relationships and quality of life. Consider holistic options like those offered by Hormone Harmony if hormones are suspected. With the right support, chronic irritability can often be resolved.