A low-grade, diffuse agitation — a lowered threshold for frustration and a tendency to react to minor things as though they were larger. Distinct from [[Angry]], which has a specific focus and carries more energy. Irritability is more ambient — a background state that colours experience generally. Often a secondary signal — pointing less at a specific unmet need and more at a general state of depletion, overstimulation, or accumulated unaddressed need. ## What it commonly points toward - [[Need - Rest]] - [[Need - Ease]] - [[Need - Autonomy]] - [[Need - Spaciousness]] - [[Need - Safety]] ## Working with this feeling Irritability is often most usefully addressed at the level of general conditions rather than the specific triggers that seem to produce it. The question is less *why did that particular thing irritate me?* and more *what depleted state am I coming from that is producing this lowered threshold?* Rest, reduction of input, and addressing accumulated needs are often more effective responses than examining the immediate trigger. ## Related feelings [[Angry]] | [[Overwhelmed]] | [[Restless]] [[Anxious]] | [[Withdrawn]] ## Related notes [[The Pause Protocol]] | [[Need - Rest]] [[Need - Ease]] | [[Need - Autonomy]]