Watching life crumble because of a violent action may bring feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. People may question how things got to the point they are at.
Contrary to what many people believe, violence does not just happen. Triggers, past experiences, illness and lack of support can all contribute to a loss of control in an individual.
Learning triggers
Change is possible with the right support. Learning about what triggers a violent reaction may be helpful. People may collaborate with mental health professionals to understand why they behave the way they do. They may then practice different methods of coping with stress and uncertainty.
Those who may have violence in their past may benefit by committing to change. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a number of triggers can lead to violence. These include the following:
- Violent or authoritarian discipline measures during childhood
- Social cognitive deficits
- Consumption of drugs, alcohol and tobacco
- Exposure to violence at an early age
- Social rejection
- Diminished economic opportunity
Responding with control
Overcoming the default of responding violently requires time and perseverance. It also needs the support of people who believe in the individual and who can provide encouragement when things get hard. People committed to change may consider participating in cognitive behavioral therapy or utilizing other resources to help retrain their brain and their emotional response to situations.
Even if violent actions result in incarceration, improvement of the self and the emotional response is possible. Taking control of life and making goals to improve may demonstrated a genuine desire to be better. With time and the right support, people with a difficult past may gain better control over their responses and ultimately leave their past behind them.