This article was written by Asa Don Brown, PhD, DNCCM, FAAETS and by wikiHow staff writer, Glenn Carreau. Dr. Asa Don Brown is a Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years of experience. He specializes in working with families, children, and couples, treating a variety of psychological disorders, trauma, and abuse. Dr. Brown has specialized in negotiation and profiling. He is also a prolific author having published three books and numerous articles in magazines, journals, and popular publications. Dr. Brown earned a BS in Theology and Religion with a minor in Marketing and an MS in Counseling with a specialization in Marriage and Family from The University of Great Falls. Furthermore, he received a PhD in Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Psychology from Capella University. He is also a candidate for a Masters of Liberal Arts through Harvard University. Dr. Brown is a Fellow of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress and a Diplomate for the National Center for Crisis Management and continues to serve a number of psychological and scientific boards.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
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If you feel like you’re always upset and irritable while spending time with your family, you might be wondering if there’s a reason for that—and we’re here to help you figure it out. Irritation can be caused by many different factors, from a lack of boundaries with your family to feeling like your family doesn’t respect or support you. Once you know why you feel irritated, it's much easier to find a solution and start feeling better. Read on for a complete guide to why you may feel irritable around your family, with tips on how to cope with your feelings and improve your familial relationships.
This article is based on an interview with our clinical psychologist and published author, Asa Don Brown. Check out the full interview here.
Things You Should Know
- You may feel irritable around your family if you feel like they’re unsupportive of you. You may also feel that way if they use you and take advantage of your kindness.
- Your family may also irritate you if they criticize you and your choices too much (or single you out for criticism over other family members).
- Cope with your irritation by practicing relaxation techniques and setting boundaries with your family. Try identifying specific triggers that irritate you and addressing them.
Steps
What Are Some Reasons People Might Be Irritable Around Their Family?
Expert Q&A
Video
Tips
References
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/living-with-emotional-intensity/201907/4-ways-to-release-anger-towards-your-parents
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/living-with-emotional-intensity/201907/4-ways-to-release-anger-towards-your-parents
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/living-with-emotional-intensity/201907/4-ways-to-release-anger-towards-your-parents
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/living-with-emotional-intensity/201907/4-ways-to-release-anger-towards-your-parents
- ↑ https://www.psychalive.org/toxic-relationship/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/irritability/
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/living-with-emotional-intensity/201907/4-ways-to-release-anger-towards-your-parents
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-communication/dealing-with-difficult-family-relationships.htm
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/irritability/
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/imperfect/2019/10/its-okay-to-cut-ties-with-toxic-family-members
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/imperfect/2019/10/its-okay-to-cut-ties-with-toxic-family-members
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-communication/dealing-with-difficult-family-relationships.htm
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/irritability/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/irritability/