Dealing with difficult behaviour is stressful, the following advice may help the situation:
- Don’t act impulsively – talk things through
- Don’t invade space, stay at arm’s length
- Avoid putting yourself in a corner
- Always knock
- Get to know the signs – pacing, rocking, stuttering, fist clenching
- Keep neutral body posture
- Keep hands in sight – show the palms of your hands
- Don’t clench your fists, put hands on hips, stare or point
- Make eye contact – but don’t stare, try to smile
- Be self-aware – be aware if you are in a bad mood this will be picked up!!
- Be calm – walk slowly, don’t show agitation or irritability
- Count to 10 – it does work
- Use humour – but avoid negative humour or sarcasm
- Empathise – “I think I know how you feel”
- Sympathise – “I agree with you”
- Ventilation – let someone get it off their chest. Don’t interrupt or argue.
- Get them talking – open ended questions “How did that feel?”
- Avoid physical contact – grip an arm, shake them awake
- Set ground rules – let the person know the limits and consequences.
- Know who to call in an emergency
- Don’t get involved in a pointless argument
- If your friend/relatives flares up and storms off – leave them to cool down before talking to them – don’t try at that time
- Take a break – it can be exhausting, worrying and a 100 other emotions. Give time for you.
