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Why do I lash out uncontrollably?

18 Answers
Last Updated: 01/12/2021 at 3:30pm
Why do I lash out uncontrollably?
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Jessica McDaniel, LPC, LCPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

I have been practicing cognitive behavioral psychotherapy since 2007 with a diverse group of adult clients with various diagnoses, all races, and socioeconomic classes.

Top Rated Answers
DayCap1
June 26th, 2018 1:52pm
Sometimes there are several small built up frustrations that I have bottled up over time. When another small frustration adds to that pile, and I can no longer stand it, I lash out. Even if I know it was a small thing that I should probably not have lashed out for, I couldn't help it because I have exceeded my maximum tolerance threshold.
Anonymous
September 15th, 2015 4:46am
I used to lash out all the time without meaning to. I assumed I had bipolar disorder because of my mood swings. Well it turns out I have generalized anxiety disorder and it causes me to lash out sometimes. I don't know how to deal with my anxiety and it builds up until I can't take it anymore.
Dailydaydreama
January 29th, 2015 5:00am
Fear can be a reaction and sometimes people lash out in a way to protect them self ! It's sometimes called flight or fight ! There's ways to change this by talking to a expert so you can understand yourself better !
AmityAllecra19
January 5th, 2016 11:46am
Usually this because you would have been holding up a lot of pent up frustrations and negative emotions that can be triggered to cause an outburst. It is advisable not to keep everything hurtful within yourself all the time, feel free to talk to someone about it whether on here or at home. Most uncontrollable lashes or outbursts are the result of trying to avoid or acknowledge emotions, its only a temporary solution and the result can be hurtful for everyone unintentionally
PeaceAndFaith
May 22nd, 2017 4:27am
I used to lash out uncontrollably too. I used to try to ignore and bottle up all my emotions, which made me kind of lose sight of my true self. This showed in my inability to control my anger and impulsiveness. My conscious mind was ignoring how things made me feel, and my subconscious was trying to vent the emotions in small explosions. Accepting how you feel and things that have happened may help.
stargirl27
June 8th, 2015 9:51am
because the feeling inside has welled up and you didn't know how to solve it. and you it is hard to control your emotion anymore
Anonymous
February 8th, 2015 4:16pm
We all do sometimes, but some of us have more difficulties than others. There could be an underlying pathology at work, or not-- this could simply be who you are, personality wise. That said, this is something that you can work on with practice. Try to recognize these over-emotional moments as they're occurring, and restrain yourself.
dogswinenetflix
April 4th, 2016 5:49pm
You might be trying to control your anger too much when it happens, and keeping it in that much can cause outbursts later.
PoliteOcean
September 10th, 2015 1:22am
Everybody is different and so are emotions. Sometimes people lash out without knowing the reason they do. Sometimes emotions can get a little "wacky" do to different things going on inside you or in your life. If you feel that you are "lashing out" uncontrollably on a regular basis that these feelings are getting the best of you, perhaps it might be time to speak with someone who can help. Like a trained counselor or therapist. Or by seeking help and support in an anger management group.
Anonymous
January 25th, 2018 7:20pm
Stress, anxiety, depression, all of the above!
Anonymous
May 3rd, 2016 9:01pm
Sometimes I lash out uncontrollably because I don't know how else to deal with whatever emotion. I do things without thinking and lashing out is that result.
Averyisheretohelp
November 14th, 2017 3:08pm
There are many things that could contribute to a person lashing out uncontrollably. When trying to address the root-causes of human behaviors, we must look at the situation from many different perspectives: psychologically, emotionally, cognitively, genetics, experiences, and even how those experiences were perceived. Recognizing and admitting that you have an issue with lashing out uncontrollably is a great first step to working towards a solution, and a happier life. A licensed and qualified professional such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, licensed social worker or counselor, or even your family doctor might be best suited to help you figure out why this unwanted behavior is happening.
JJill1
January 16th, 2018 4:41am
well personally, when keeping something pent up inside you can cause you to have episodes of rage or to lash out. This of course all depends on the individual, but maybe you are going through some things in a different area of life! Maybe you are stressed! Only you will truly know what is bothering you.
joyful92
October 28th, 2019 9:31pm
Anger can seem so hard to deal with! I've struggled with it myself. One thing that helps me is to identify the root cause of my outburst. Often, it's not the little thing I lashed out at that I'm truly angry at, but something bigger that I'm more deeply frustrated by. Taking a moment to understand what it is in currently struggling with and addressing that issue is often my best first step in controlling myself! Identifying and working through deeper anger issues helps and keeps me from feeling like I'm going to lash out at people/situations, etc on the regular.
specialParadise50
May 11th, 2015 10:30am
well it usually happens but if you now its gonna happen again just try and keep quiet for a while :)
evertriedeverfailed
October 30th, 2018 1:52am
People lash out for different reasons. Often people are in situations that are out of their control. You're likely reacting rationally in the only way you know how. Ultimately, it's up to you how you proceed. A good start is to determine what events preceed your lash outs. You can try writing down what happened before lashing out, or even just taking a few minutes to process what happened when you feel calmer. When you find the events where you feel like lashing out, you can decide if you really want to lash out or if you want to react some other way. Good luck.
heavenlyRainbow1314
January 12th, 2021 3:30pm
Feelings of anger can be very overwhelming and can compound quickly. Anger is a secondary emotion. Meaning we feel angry when we have fear of sadness or being out of control. Anger can help us feel more and less in control all at the same time. Relaxation and self soothing techniques can be very helpful. Breathing, meditating, laying down for a nap, reading a book can all calm us and help stop the anger from growing. We need at least 20 minutes to fully come down from getting angry by something so be patient with yourself and try to let time help you calm
Anonymous
December 4th, 2018 8:24am
Often at times the reason we lash out uncontrollably is because a lot of anger and emotions that are shut down and made to back down over time. Physical activity, such as running, cycling or exercise even things like boxing, Martial arts or other activities which brings us peace and helps improve our mood such as painting and journaling our helps drain the negative energy out and helps control the over active emotions that may come across as harmful to us and to others and help us channel the anger in a better way that doesn't come across as harmful