It is a myth that people with mental health conditions are violent and unpredictable. They are no more likely to be violent than anyone else. However, there may be occasions when you need to support someone who can be violent.
Anger, aggression and violence can arise from situations where someone:
If you are supporting a person who can be violent, it is important to:
Your safety is important. Make sure you are aware of your organisation’s process for dealing with these types of situations to ensure that everyone, including yourself, remains safe.
Workers also often make the mistake of thinking that the person’s need for support is over as soon as they have calmed, which is not true. … after the person has calmed, they may experience shame, regret and sadness about their anger and require reassurance and support.
- A person with lived experience of a mental health condition
Understand and Recognise TriggersThis web page provides tips on understanding and identifying triggers that can make someone angry.Type: Web pageEstimated reading time: 5 minutesProduced by: Out of Home Care Toolbox
Recognising Aggression in OthersThis is a guide to recognising the signs of aggression and try to avoid violent situations. Type: Web pageEstimated reading time: 10 minutesProduced by: Skills You Need
Dos and don'ts of managing a client who is angry or aggressiveThis is a guide to do’s and don’ts when dealing with someone who may become angry or aggressive due to substance use.Type: Web pageEstimated reading time: 10 minutesProduced by: Cracks In The Ice
Facilitate responsible behaviourThis is a free online eLearning module which covers monitoring client behaviour, communication strategies to de-escalate conflict and managing conflict. In order to access this training, you will need to set up an account.Type: eLearningProduced by: QCOSS Community Door