Irritability - Balance Health Clinic

Irritability is defined as an excessive sensitivity or impatience to inconvenience, annoyance, or lack of comfort. It refers to a propensity to anger or frustration over minor matters. Some key signs of irritability include:

• Becoming annoyed more easily than usual
• Feeling impatient frequently
• Snapping at people over minor issues
• Having a low frustration tolerance

What Causes Irritability?

There are several potential causes of increased irritability:

• Stress - High stress levels can make someone more prone to irritation as their ability to cope decreases. Both acute and chronic stress can contribute.
• Mental health conditions - Disorders like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and even substance withdrawal may have irritability as a symptom.
• Physical factors - Things like chronic pain, poor sleep, infections, or hunger can increase feelings of impatience.
• Medications - Some prescription or over-the-counter drugs can cause increased agitation as a side effect.

Managing Irritability

If frequent irritability is impacting your quality of life or relationships, some self-care tips include:

• Identify and address potential underlying causes
• Practice stress management and self-soothing techniques
• Communicate openly about your feelings
• Take timeouts when feeling impatient or annoyed
• Prioritize rest, healthy eating, and physical activity
• Avoid triggers like chaotic settings or contentious people

Seeking counseling or therapy may also help provide coping mechanisms if self-management strategies are not sufficient to control feelings of anger or impatience.

While some level of irritability is normal, pay attention if it becomes exaggerated, disproportionate to triggers, or starts affecting relationships and daily function. Discuss significant or worsening issues with a healthcare provider. Trial-and-error and lifestyle changes can help manage irritability, but evaluation is warranted when it reaches clinical levels.