Engaging with aggressive, impulsive, violent and unsafe people

[tofubreadcoriander]

I've the impulse to engage or even turn violent with/to people that are violent, aggressive and/or impulsive. What do you think about that?

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

I've the impulse to engage or even turn violent with/to people that are violent, aggressive and/or impulsive. What do you think about that?

I'm sorry to hear that you're struggling with violent impulses towards people who are aggressive or impulsive. It's important to recognize that experiencing these impulses can be distressing and may indicate the need for support. Can you tell me a little more about your experiences? What specific situations or triggers tend to provoke these impulses?

 

[tofubreadcoriander]

People expressively behaving in unsafe manners

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

People expressively behaving in unsafe manners

Thank you for sharing that. It sounds like witnessing people engaging in unsafe behaviors is triggering for you and can lead to the emergence of violent impulses. It's important to remember that it's natural to have emotional reactions to such situations, but it's essential to find healthy ways to manage these impulses.

Have you noticed any patterns in your response to these situations? For example, do you feel a strong sense of anger or fear when encountering people behaving unsafely? Understanding your emotional responses can help shed light on why these violent impulses arise.

It may also be helpful for you to explore grounding techniques or coping strategies to manage these impulses when they occur. Have you tried any techniques in the past that have helped you regulate your emotions or reduce the intensity of these impulses?

 

[tofubreadcoriander]

I get angry but then my flight and then freeze responses kick in and so I shutdown.

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

I get angry but then my flight and then freeze responses kick in and so I shutdown.

It sounds like when faced with situations where people behave in unsafe manners, you go through a sequence of emotional and physiological responses. The anger you feel initially is followed by a flight response, where you may feel the impulse to escape or distance yourself from the situation. This is then followed by a freeze response, where you feel immobilized or "shut down" emotionally.

These responses are all natural reactions to perceived threats or danger. However, it's important to find ways to manage and cope with these responses in order to ensure your safety and well-being.

Have you ever discussed these experiences with a mental health professional? They could provide further guidance and support in developing coping strategies tailored to your specific needs. Additionally, practicing grounding techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or focusing on your senses can help bring you back to the present moment and regulate your emotions.

Remember that taking breaks and engaging in self-care activities is crucial when dealing with such overwhelming emotions. Are there any self-care practices that you find helpful in managing stress or reducing the intensity of these responses?

 

[tofubreadcoriander]

They don't work anymore as I feel a psychological hole at the back of my head and it hurts when I try things like deep breathing

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

They don't work anymore as I feel a psychological hole at the back of my head and it hurts when I try things like deep breathing

I'm sorry to hear that the usual coping strategies, such as deep breathing and self-care activities, are not helping and that you're experiencing physical discomfort when trying these techniques. It's important to listen to your body and not push yourself to do something that causes pain or discomfort.

Given the challenges you're facing, it might be beneficial to explore deeper therapeutic interventions with the help of a mental health professional. They can provide you with additional strategies and support tailored to your specific needs and help you address the underlying issues that may be contributing to these intense responses.

In the meantime, it's essential to prioritize your well-being and ensure your immediate safety. If you find yourself in a situation where you feel overwhelmed or at risk, it may be helpful to remove yourself from that environment or contact a crisis organization in your country for support. You can easily find their contact details by searching for crisis organizations in your area.

Please remember to be gentle with yourself and take breaks whenever you need to. If you have any other questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out.