Known for being quick to anger and having limited patience, Edie has always been described as easily irritable by her friends and family. Small inconveniences at work—like delays in email responses or someone using the copier when she needs it—frustrate her. At home, she snaps at her partner over whose job it is to empty the dishwasher.

“I’ve always been like this, I think,” she tells me in our first session. “Even as a kid, my mom said I was always crabby.”

Why are some people more easily irritated than others?

Irritability is a common experience that most of us can relate to, at least occasionally. For example, we’ve all had days where small annoyances—like traffic or an argument with a partner—feel more frustrating than usual. On these days, our patience may feel thin or even nonexistent, and we become more easily irritated at things that otherwise might not usually bother us.

However, some people, like Edie, are just known for being more irritable than others. Most of us have met someone like Edie, who is known for being short-tempered and not easy to deal with. Perhaps someone reading this can relate to this experience.

While irritability can be influenced by a variety of factors, including biological, psychological, and environmental influences, I often find that those who are irritable are struggling with Mental health or other health concerns.

Here are some of the major reasons why some people might be more irritable than others:

1. Uncontrolled stress or traumatic experiences: Chronic stress can lower people’s tolerance for frustration, making them more irritable. Ideally, stress will be short-lived, such as dealing with job changes or relationship stressors, but if someone is experiencing constant and unrelenting stress, this can contribute to feelings of irritability.

Many of my clients come in to see me after experiencing uncomfortable episodes of irritability following stressful or traumatic experiences that seemed unmanageable, such as toxic work environments or experiencing domestic violence. When someone is mentally or physically drained, their ability to manage emotions diminishes. When we’re already feeling irritated, it can be easier to find things to be annoyed about, and it can make minor things seem bigger than they really are. It’s a bit like a snowball effect, where things can snowball into a series of annoyances, even if they aren’t directly related to any identifiable original issue.

2. Mental health conditions: Certain conditions like anxiety, depression, ADHD, or mood disorders like bipolar disorder can cause irritability as a symptom, especially in young people or in those who are experiencing a Mental health concern for the first time.¹ In fact, irritability is considered a symptom of at least 15 different Mental health diagnoses in the DSM.^1,2

One research study discovered that both anxious and avoidant attachment styles (which are strongly linked to having relational trauma) were linked to increased experiences of irritability and frustration.⁴ This is why when someone comes to therapy reporting feelings of irritability, it’s important to explore Mental health symptoms or concerns that may be contributing to mood changes.

3. Physical health: Certain medical or physical health conditions, such as chronic pain, digestive issues, or undiagnosed sleep disorders, can also make a person more irritable. It’s harder to stay calm when you’re physically uncomfortable or physically exhausted.

Similarly, conditions that affect physical or brain health or hormone imbalances can also contribute to mood changes. For example, neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine play a role in regulating mood and emotions, and imbalances in these chemicals could contribute to higher levels of irritability.^1,3

If you can relate, what can you do?

It might help to take a step back and try to separate the specific incident that is frustrating you from your overall frustration level. That means taking a minute to self-reflect, perhaps asking yourself, “Is this something that would normally irritate me?” or “Is this something that will matter next week or next month? Being aware of how emotions can cloud judgment might allow you to react with a bit more clarity or compassion toward yourself.

Additionally, it’s important to recognize when it’s time to seek extra support. If you’ve been feeling more irritable lately and aren’t sure why, taking some time to explore the underlying causes can be helpful. On the other hand, if you already know what’s causing your stress—whether it’s related to the political climate or an ongoing toxic relationship, for example—getting support can provide validation and help you feel more understood and supported.

If you are struggling with irritability or a related Mental health concern, seek support from a therapist who can help.

To find a therapist near you, visit the Psychology Today Therapy Directory.