If you are feeling unusually irritable or on edge, you may find it useful to talk to your doctor.

A family member or friend may also be able to help.

Here are some tips you may find useful too:

1. Keep a diary. Rate your levels of anxiety and irritability on a daily basis for at least 2 weeks, and see if you can find a pattern. This will help you work out if there is a trigger for these feelings.
2. Write a list of all the things that feel important to you. Now rate your levels of anxiety and irritability for each of these. Give the things that cause you little or no anxiety 0, and things that cause you the most anxiety 10. Everything else can be rated in between.
3. Pay attention to what triggers feelings of irritability or anxiety. Notice if other things make you feel less anxious and more relaxed. Being aware of these ‘triggers’ can be helpful.

Relaxation techniques

Whenever you recognise the early signs of irritation or tension, you might like to try some relaxation techniques to see if they help improve your mood.

• take a walk, go for a swim, or try another type of physical activity
• do some breathing exercises
• listen to music
• watch television
• read a book
• take an exercise class such as yoga or pilates, or try doing it yourself at home
• take a relaxing bath, or pamper yourself for an hour
• do something creative, like painting or making something.

Relaxation is a skill that you can learn over time. What works for one person may not work for another, but over time you can discover the things that work to help you unwind and relax.