De-escalation for loss of perspective includes which action?

• A. Bring the person's energy down.
• B. Increase your own energy to overwhelm.
• C. Ignore the person until they calm down.
• D. Threaten to separate them.

Answer: (A)

When someone has lost perspective, the goal is to lower the surrounding arousal so they can regroup and engage safely. Bringing energy down means you speak calmly and slowly, use steady, non-threatening tones, and hold an open, non-defensive posture. Give them space if needed, monitor your distance for safety, and show you’re listening by acknowledging their feelings and offering simple, concrete options. This approach helps reduce fear and defensiveness, making it easier for them to think clearly and choose a safer course of action.

Raising your own energy can feel confrontational and push the person further away; ignoring them delays engagement and can be interpreted as indifference; threats heighten fear and can provoke an even more intense reaction.