When you're in a situation with someone who is verbally aggressive, you can feel defensive, or a little scared or intimidated. Verbally aggressive people aren't shy. People who are verbally aggressive don't hold back when it comes to their feelings and opinions, so getting into an argument, altercation or a heated discussion with someone who is verbally aggressive can be difficult to maneuver.
Here are five healthy and mindful ways to respond when you find yourself dealing with a verbally aggressive person:
1. Choose Kindness
People who are verbally aggressive may have a past history of violence. When they begin to raise their voice or show anger, they are most likely expecting you to get angry in return. Instead of adding fuel to the fire, don't raise your voice. Attempt to have a calm conversation. If it's clear that they are too fired up, be the bigger person and walk away before things get out of hand.![helping hand](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2718/3098/files/helping-hand-1-e1464614951473.jpg)
2. Try to Calm Things Down
Nurses often need to apply non-physical methods to keep verbally aggressive patients from escalating. Follow steps similar to the ones below to attempt to calm the aggressor:- Identify the person's level of aggression on a scale of 1-10. If there is a potentional for injury, call for help.
- Attempt to understand the meaning behind their aggressive behavior. Listen carefully and let them know that you are hearing them and understanding.
- Try to connect with them. Use language such as "I understand why you would be upset" or "I can see how that would be frustrating for you."
- Find a solution to their needs. Ask the aggressor what exactly they want or need, then find a compromise.
3. Listen
What a verbally aggressive person really wants is somewhere to vent his or her anger. When the person is frustrated, he or she wants someone to really listen and empathize. If a verbally aggressive person comes to you upset, let him or her know that you are willing to listen, but only if he or she takes a few deep breaths and calm down so you can have a conversation at a normal volume. Advise the person to breathe, sit, and search for a solution.![conversation](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2718/3098/files/conversation-e1464615199790.jpg)