Irritability

I was interested in learning how some of you manage/lessen your irritability.
My irritability gets reaaaally bad when I'm hypo - to the point that I blow up on my friends and family and damage relationships.
I've learned, for now, to stay away from people when I'm irritable, as the slightest thing sets me off. It's very difficult going to work when I'm like this. My therapist says it's not good for me to isolate, but agrees it's probably the best for now examining my past of losing my crap on people.
Anyone learned any good skills to deal or lessen the irritability?

Hello Nova567: Irritability is something I struggle with. I'm kind-of like a prickly old porcupine most of the time. Mostly I just employ a Buddhist practice called compassionate abiding. Here's a link to a nice mental health oriented description of the practice:

https://mindsetdoc.wordpress.com/201...e-abiding-101/

May it be of benefit.

Dbt might be able to help.

At times I get severe irritability. During those times I try so many skills I have learnt to combat it and find distraction and exercise are the best. Find something that really engages you. For me being around good people helps as long as we are doing things together and not just watching a movie. TV is no good as my mind is racing and I can't sit still. Need to do physical things like organising my flat, walking or swimming. Sorry you feel this way. It is an awful experience and I hope it passes soon.

I tend to isolate myself too. Sometimes I wonder if it's a "natural instinct". What I mean is: we (in general) like to avoid things that stress us out or avoid things that induce a negative emotional response. I think it's one of those fight or flight situations.

I agree with boogie that DBT may be the way to go. Wander gave some great advice too. Distraction is a great coping mechanism and allows you to "cool off"

I don't like being around people when i am irritable. Being around people only makes my irritability worse. Every little thing somebody does will make me irritable even more. I then find myself apologizing for my behavior later though.

I try to get out of the house since I rarely blow up around people I don't know. It's either that or put myself in a time out which is like solitary confinement. I don't want to hurt my family, particularly my kids so I feel removing myself from them is the best option.

I try to distract myself somehow and or put on some headphones and listen to some music

Thanks for the responses! Yes, I have found that removing myself from situations before I blow up is the best, but sometimes I spend quite a bit of time alone because the irritability will be so intense for days and people get concerned. I just don't want to blow up on them, it makes me feel so guilty when I freak for the stupidest reasons.

You guys worry about other people's feelings. I don't. Besides a good fight is a good release of energy.
Try it, you may like it. Rock On.