Many of us have experienced days where a buildup of frustrations from work or social life lead to lashing out at loved ones. We may later realize the hurtful impact of our words and actions. If you find yourself frequently becoming easily frustrated with your loved ones, you are not alone. According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, stress is a common factor as a quarter of adults in the United States feel overwhelming stress.

Because so many people wish to stop getting to the point where they lose control over their emotions, there has been a push for people to really take account of their mental and emotional health. The good news is there are steps people can take to calm their stress and keep life calm at home.

Why they lashout?

There are many reasons we act in this way, and understanding the cause behind your uncontrollable anger can help you to heal and stop lashing out.

It could be that you’re lashing out due to self-protection or the memory of a past trauma. If you are acting mean to your significant other, you may be protecting yourself from getting hurt by that person. In this case, it can help to work through these fears so they no longer influence you. 

The Swaddle explains that we take our emotions out on the ones we love the most because we feel safe around them. If we act out around our parents or say something snide to our spouse, it may be because they are a safe place to vent our emotions.

Another reason you could feel emotionally out of control around your loved ones is because of the immense stress of your job or inability to communicate the way you’d like,These are frustrating realities that plague many people, causing them to hurt the ones they love verbally. If this sounds like something you are walking through, there are things you can do to help alleviate the overwhelming emotions that cause you to lose your temper.

What actions can be taken to address the issue?

If you are experiencing an increase in loss of control, there are actions you can take to regain calm in your life. Reflect on your emotional patterns, identify if there are specific times of day or events that trigger a response, and consider seeking help from a professional such as a family doctor or therapist. They can assist in understanding the cause of feelings of overwhelm and provide coping strategies to manage frustration before it becomes harmful.

Instead of expressing anger through verbal or physical outbursts, try finding alternative ways to cope with negative emotions. Going for a walk in nature, exercising at the gym, or keeping a journal are all effective methods for releasing tension and finding inner peace. These activities can help improve your mental well-being.

Everyone experiences feelings of irritability, anger, and frustration at times. It is normal to have an off day. However, if you find yourself having more bad days than good, it’s important to take a step back and evaluate your mental well-being, stress level, and triggers. Taking this time for self-reflection can help not only yourself, but also those around you, as addressing your own needs can reduce any negative impact on the household.