We can get frustrated with ourselves or others from stress or unmet expectations, and when it’s lingers, it can affect our mental health. We may feel angry, anxious, irritable, overwhelmed, or annoyed. We might avoid those who frustrate us, have changes in appetite and/or sleep, and cope with substances. We may experience lingering feelings of anger or sadness, leading to aggression, depression, irritability, increased sensitivity, defensiveness, impulsivity, and/or lower self-esteem.
Stress can cause frustration, and frustration can cause stress, and both can make our windows of tolerance smaller, making us more reactive to situations that might not otherwise frustrate us. Ongoing stress can make us feel like we aren’t in control of our lives and incompetent.
When we understand why we’re frustrated, it can be easier to cope. We can focus on the present moment, use breathing techniques, talk about it, or make a point to shift our perspective to increase our tolerance of stress and reduce our stress levels.
Regulating the way we express our emotions can also help us cope with frustration. We can first have an awareness of our emotions and accept them rather than resist them and empathize, distract ourselves, and remind ourselves our emotions will pass. When we see situations as under our control and that we have options, we become less stressed and frustrated.
We can also remove stressors from our lives if we feel easily frustrated on an ongoing basis. We can make our schedules less busy, eat and sleep well, meditate, and exercise to increase our windows of tolerance. Creative outlets can also help. Calling a friend can also help us process our emotions.
Deb Falzoi
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