What is irritability?
Irritability is defined as feeling easily annoyed, impatient, and touchy. It refers to a physiological state of being in which one has a low tolerance for nuisance or frustration. Irritability touches most of us from time to time, but when it becomes frequent or persistent, it may signify an underlying health issue.
What causes irritability?
There are many potential causes of increased irritability:
- Stress - High stress levels cause irritability by overactivating the nervous system. Both acute and chronic stress can make one prone to agitation and moodiness.
- Mental health conditions - Disorders like depression, anxiety, OCD, and bipolar disorder often have irritability as a main symptom. The condition itself predisposes one to restlessness and impatience.
- Physical illness - Diseases which cause pain, discomfort or lack of sleep can make one increasingly intolerant, cranky and short-tempered. For example, cancer, diabetes, thyroid disorders.
- Hormonal imbalances - Fluctuations in hormones like estrogen, progesterone, cortisol and testosterone can trigger easy annoyance. If hormonal dysregulation underlies your irritability issues, consider getting an evaluation at Vitality Health Center. Their expert physicians provide prompt and holistic hormonal care customized to your needs with the latest medical advancements.
- Medications - Some prescription drugs, supplements and recreational drugs can cause dramatic mood swings as a side effect.
- Withdrawals - Quitting addictive substances like caffeine, alcohol, tobacco and drugs can temporarily increase impatience and agitation levels.
How to manage irritability?
If irrational irritation persists, it is important to identify the underlying cause and address it appropriately under medical guidance. In the interim, the following tips can be helpful in coping with this distressing symptom:
- Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga and deep breathing
- Exercise regularly to soothe frazzled nerves
- Get adequate good quality sleep every night
- Avoid trigger factors like excessive caffeine, noise, crowds
- Vent feelings appropriately instead of suppressing them
- Spend time relaxing in nature and pursuing hobbies
- Maintain healthy nutrition and hydration
- Consider counseling or joining a support group
In summary, irritability refers to feeling easily frustrated, annoyed and impulsive. Though occasional irritability is normal, frequent or intense episodes can negatively impact relationships and quality of life. Determining the root cause and making suitable lifestyle changes is key, along with seeking expert care if a health condition is suspected behind this troublesome symptom.