Dealing with aggressive behaviors is part of everyday life, especially in inpatient psychiatric care facilities: patients who feel persecuted and attacked, patients who are restless and unable to control their impulses, patients who see evil in others - all of them can pose a threat to the safety and, in the worst case, the lives of staff and fellow patients. How can such situations be addressed? Can escalations and outbreaks of violence be prevented or at least mitigated? Those who recognize the signs early can respond gently. The practical guide on de-escalation strategies not only addresses the precursors of aggression and provides suggestions on how to recognize aggressive escalations early enough despite a hectic work environment, but also presents numerous ways to act in a de-escalating manner.