who was of little help. “I don’t know … do whatever you think needs to be done Rae …” I notified the police and they apprehended the individual. Alcohol was a factor in the individual making the call and they were not considered to be an ongoing threat. The situation was rather unsettling and has definitely been influential in my promoting workplace violence prevention.
Signs of Disturbed Behavior
Quick List
It is important to be aware of “signs” that may indicate impending violence, aggression or assault. Be alert for the following warning signs:
•Pacing
•Hyperactivity
•Muttering
•Swearing, chanting, loud speech or shouting
•Exaggerated movements
•Sudden movements or pointing
•Staring
•Avoiding Eye Contact
•Eyes Narrowed
•Looking angry, threatening stance
•Body tensed (neck, jaw, arms)
•Rapid respirations and flared nostrils
•Clenched fists
•Restlessness
•Withdrawal
•Rocking
•Banging Objects
•Restlessness
•Threatened Aggression
•Destruction of Physical Property
•Self-Abuse
•Physical Aggression
Signs & Symptoms of Aggressive Behavior
Disturbed behavior can easily escalate into aggressive behavior. It is important to be aware of the early warning signals, such as restlessness, toe tapping, pacing, etc. and the expression of fear, anxiety, anger, frustration, loss, hopelessness, despair.
These emotions communicate the potential for aggressive behavior toward others, self or property.
Proactive Tip:
* Acknowledge these feelings with the person. This is the single most effective form of defusing and preventing aggression at the early stages.
Emotional Clues
We can gain valuable information from their conversation or observing their outward emotional state.
Examples of emotional clues you can expect to encounter are as follows:
Disorientation:
Comments/Questions?
“Where am I?”
“What's going on?”
“Where's my wife/husband?”
“Who are you?”
“Why am I here?”
Observable Behavior: acting restless, they look like they don't belong where they are
Fear:
Comments/Questions?
“Am I going to be all right?”
“Is everything OK?”
“I’m afraid”
Or the opposite, where they appear ready to defend themselves i.e. hyper alert asking (aggressive) demanding questions . . .
“What's going on?”
“What are you doing about...?”
“What are you doing to me?”
Frustration:
Comments/Questions?
“Why me?”
“How can this be happening to me?”
Observable Behavior: They may be short-tempered, cranky, argumentative, bothered by what may be considered trivial matters and have audible sighs.
Feelings of inadequacy:
Comments/Questions:
“It'll never work”
“Why me?”
“I am a loser”
“I'm too stupid”
“I can never do that”
“Nobody likes me”
“Nobody cares”
Rejections (real or perceived):
Comments/Questions:
“why bother, no one cares”
“nobody could ever love me”
“I tried that once and failed
“I will always fail”
“they think I am a fool”
Loss/grief: (real or perceived) (could be loss of a loved one, a friend, money, or even their reputation)
Comments/Questions:
“How could he/she do this to me?”
“What am I going to do without them?”
“I can’t go on by myself”
“There is no use in living anymore”
“Nothing matters anymore”
Anger: (could be directed outwards to others or inwards to self)
Comments/Questions:
“How dare they do that to me!”
“Who
