

Depending on your workplace, there may be avenues for making complaints. If someone is being rude/unreasonable, it could help to direct them with something like: “I understand this is a difficult situation. We’re trying to navigate it and will follow up in (time) at (contact.) If you have complaints about how we’ve handled this, here is the (name/number/e-mail.)” This redirects their energy and gives them a solid plan to follow. Sometimes people just like it when there’s a plan.
Moving location can ease tension. You can say “Hi, I’m (name,) would you like to come over here and explain what’s going on?”
If you avoid conflict, it could help to explain those feelings to your coworker and just ask them what you can do to help them (as you have.) Or discuss difficult scenerios they have to deal with and give you clear suggestions on what to do in (x) situation. People like plans, again.
If you work at a hospital and someone is legitimately having a meltdown over something, as in they’re being completely irrational and may turn violent, can you call a psych nurse/doc/security?
Alternatively, I knew a security guard who always carried saltwater taffy in his pockets. If people got heated, he would throw it on the ground and go “Look! Candy!” He said it was effective 100% of the time.
Don’t have one.