How to Get Over Irritability

Causes of irritability are varied and numerous. For this reason, it is helpful to identify the most likely cause before deciding the best approach to eliminate the undesirable emotion. A process of elimination provides a logical game plan for determining the cause and best solution for irritability symptoms.



While most causes of irritability are not serious, some can be life threatening, so it is important to keep doctors informed if symptoms persist. Some of the more common causes blamed for irritability include diet deficiencies, hormonal changes, drug or alcohol withdrawal, low blood sugar, anxiety disorders, depression, stress and sleep disorders.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine the most likely explanation for your irritability, based on likely causes. Ask yourself when you first noticed increased anxiety, and what you were doing at the time. Note any patterns that will help determine the source of your irritability. Based on your observations, evaluate logical explanations. Select appropriate treatments.

• 2

  Exercise on a regular basis. Increasing your regular physical activity on almost every day of the week improves your overall health. Many experts agree that regular exercise is one of the best ways to treat depression and anxiety disorders, which are believed to be a root of irritability and anger issues in many cases. Strenuous exercise is not required; a simple walk boosts your endorphines.

• 3

  Use proven techniques to manage stress in your life. Irritability is often linked to stress factors that can be managed through meditation, breathing exercises, yoga and diet adjustments.

• 4

  Eliminate caffeine from your diet. The drug caffeine increases the production of adrenaline, which causes you to crash eventually, after the initial high wears off. Feelings of irritability and fatigue often accompany a caffeine crash.

• 5

  Consult with your physician to assess your overall health status and to eliminate any serious health problems that could explain your mood swings. Physicians and mental health professionals can often help you diagnose possible causes, if the cause is not obvious.

• 6

  Modify your diet to minimize the impact of low blood sugar symptoms. Eating two small apples after each meal is one way to prevent low blood sugar. Another way to treat this condition known for causing irritable mood swings is to take vitamin supplements. Vitamins C, E and B are highly recommended to prevent this common problem. Eating more frequently with smaller portions is also recommended as a good way to manage low blood sugar.