Practical strategies and tips for effective support - How can I de-escalate a situation when someone is angry or agitated? (2024)

Table of Contents
​At a glance Resources FAQs

​At a glance

When there are signs of anger or verbal aggression it is important to remember that:

  • you need to stay calm
  • anger may be a sign that the person is in distress, experiencing fear or frustrated
  • it is not possible to reason or problem solve with someone who is enraged
  • effective communication skills are the key to settling, resolving and de-escalating a situation.

Use the strategies below to de-escalate a situation:

  • Listen to what the issue is and the person's concerns.
  • Offer reflective comments to show that you have heard what their concerns are.
  • Wait until the person has released their frustration and explained how they are feeling.
  • Look and maintain appropriate eye contact to connect with the person.
  • Incline your head slightly, to show you are listening and give you a non-threating posture.
  • Nod to confirm that you are listening and have understood.
  • Express empathy to show you have understood.

It is not your job to stop the person being angry, but these steps may help to make the person feel calmer. It is only then that you can look at how to deal with the situation and their concerns.

In a situation like this, workers can panic because they don’t know how to “stop” the anger, and they need to know that periods of intense anger do not last. … intense feelings like anger naturally dissipate as time passes.

- A person with lived experience of a mental health condition

​​​

Resources

De-escalation Techniques
This web page providesde-escalate techniques.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Produced by: Department of Health -Tasmania

Facilitate responsible behaviour
This is a free online eLearning module which covers monitoring of client behaviour, communication strategies to de-escalate conflict and managing conflict. In order to access this training, you will need to set up an account and search 'facilitate responsible behaviour' in the search bar.
Type: eLearning
Produced by: QCOSS Community Door

Practical strategies and tips for effective support - How can I de-escalate a situation when someone is angry or agitated? (2024)

FAQs

Practical strategies and tips for effective support - How can I de-escalate a situation when someone is angry or agitated? ›

Listen to what the issue is and the person's concerns. Offer reflective comments to show that you have heard what their concerns are. Wait until the person has released their frustration and explained how they are feeling. Look and maintain appropriate eye contact to connect with the person.

How can I escalate a situation when someone is angry or agitated? ›

Listen to what the issue is and the person's concerns. Offer reflective comments to show that you have heard what their concerns are. Wait until the person has released their frustration and explained how they are feeling. Look and maintain appropriate eye contact to connect with the person.

What is the best way to de-escalate an aggressive situation? ›

Respect Personal Space: Maintain a safe distance and avoid touching the other person. Listen: Give your full attention, nod, ask questions, and avoid changing the subject or interrupting. Empathize: Present genuine concern and a willingness to understand without judging. Tone: Speak calmly to demonstrate empathy.

What tactics would you use to de-escalate a situation with an angry customer? ›

Next time you deal with an angry customer, try these de-escalation techniques:
  • Remain calm and composed. ...
  • Active listening and empathy. ...
  • Effective communication strategies. ...
  • Problem-solving and finding common ground. ...
  • Timely follow-up and resolution.

What are some strategies that can be used to support a person in distress or crises de-escalate incidents of risk? ›

De-escalation techniques and resources
  • Move to a private area. ...
  • Be empathetic and non-judgmental. ...
  • Respect personal space. ...
  • Keep your tone and body language neutral. ...
  • Avoid over-reacting. ...
  • Focus on the thoughts behind the feelings. ...
  • Ignore challenging questions. ...
  • Set boundaries.

What are 3 de-escalation techniques? ›

CPI's Top 10 De-escalation Tips:
  • Be Empathic and Nonjudgmental. Do not judge or be dismissive of the feelings of the person in distress. ...
  • Respect Personal Space. ...
  • Use Nonthreatening Nonverbals. ...
  • Keep Your Emotional Brain in Check. ...
  • Focus on Feelings. ...
  • Ignore Challenging Questions. ...
  • Set Limits. ...
  • Choose Wisely What You Insist Upon.
Jun 27, 2022

What are three 3 strategies available to staff if confronted by an agitated angry or potentially violent client? ›

Let the client air his/her feelings and acknowledge them. Ask open-ended questions to keep a dialogue going. Be flexible, within reason. Use the space for self-protection (position yourself close to the exit, don't crowd the client).

What are the 5 steps of de-escalation? ›

This 5 step de-escalation technique helps calm tense situations
  • Speak calmly and with the right tone and use of words.
  • Ensure your body language is relaxed and in control.
  • Make a connection and be empathetic with people.
  • Get the agitated person away from weapons, harm, and other people.

What is verbal de-escalation strategy? ›

Three concepts in verbal de-escalation
  • Appear calm, centered, and self-assured even though you don't feel it. ...
  • Use a modulated, low monotonous tone of voice (our normal tendency is to have a high pitched, tight voice when scared or nervous).
  • Do not be defensive. ...
  • Be aware of any resources available for back up.

What are two things you can do to resolve or de-escalate conflict? ›

Five Ways to De-escalate a Conflict
  • Listen. Listening is a powerful tool. ...
  • Acknowledge and accept their emotions/feelings. ...
  • Apologize for your contribution. ...
  • Control your tone and body language. ...
  • Focus on the future.

Which of the following is the best example of a de-escalation strategy? ›

Acting calm is the single most important de-escalation strategy for teachers in the classroom. Having a calm demeanor and tone of voice helps set the tone for the child. Even research suggests that appearing externally calm can help reduce aggression.

What is the mirroring technique of de-escalation? ›

Another de-escalation technique is to mirror, which is to respectfully repeat what the customer says to clarify you understand what they mean. Mirroring helps agents confirm they have the correct information while validating customers with someone who understands them.

What is the first rule of de-escalation? ›

To prevent a conflict from getting to the point where physical safety is threatened, here are seven strategies for de-escalation. 1. Present a nonthreatening appearance. Even if you don't feel it, try to look calm and self-assured.

How to de-escalate challenging behaviour? ›

Speak in an even tone of voice and maintain good eye contact. Be aware of your own body language; keep your arms open (not crossed as this may be perceived as confrontational) and smile when appropriate to show you are being friendly and supportive.

How do you deal with an agitated person? ›

But there are still lots of things you can do to help support them:
  1. Stay calm. ...
  2. Try to listen to them. ...
  3. Give them space. ...
  4. Set boundaries. ...
  5. Help them identify their triggers. ...
  6. Support them to seek professional help. ...
  7. Look after your own wellbeing.

How do you diffuse a situation when someone is angry? ›

Ask them what you can do to resolve the situation. Try not to get angry yourself. Stay calm, speak slowly, and use non-threatening body language. A calm, rational response can go a long way toward calming angry people down.

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