What is the recommended response when a person is escalating?

When dealing with a person who is escalating, it is essential to prioritize safety and de-escalation. Assessing whether removing yourself from the interaction is beneficial is often a prudent response. This approach allows you to ensure not only your safety but also the safety of the person who is escalating. In some cases, stepping away can provide space and time for emotions to settle, reducing tension and the potential for conflict.

Removal from the interaction does not mean abandoning the individual; it means recognizing when the situation might be better managed from a distance. This strategy helps to prevent further escalation and can create an opportunity for the person to regain composure. It can be part of a broader strategy that includes monitoring the environment and being available to re-engage when the individual is calmer.

Other responses, while they may appear beneficial, can inadvertently contribute to heightened anxiety or aggression. Ignoring the situation can lead to worsening behavior, confronting someone who is already agitated can escalate hostility, and introducing calming activities may not always be effective without first addressing the immediate emotional state of the person. Ultimately, assessing the need for physical or emotional distance is a strategic and often beneficial response in such situations.