Venting Too Much Can Actually Make Stress Worse

Here’s why. Getting things off your chest is a positive thing, isn’t it? It feels good to vent about your stress or problems to caring friends or post your worries on social media and is a go-to strategy for how to feel better. Doing so provides a release, support, validates your feelings and you get to hear everyone else’s horror stories in the process — some of which make yours seem small. Talking about your problem is often the first thing we do when we’re struggling with something that’s causing us stress and concern. And while it’s definitely healthier to vent than stuff away our emotions, talking about our woes too much can actually have the opposite effect. Why? Because talking about it forces you to remain stuck living in the problem (along with the toxic swirl of emotions that goes along with it) long after its expiration date — kind of like old food in the fridge starts to stink after a while. Whether you’re feeling frustrated by a work conversation, hurt after a breakup, or devastated by a violent attack, there is a way to sort out your feelings and start feeling better, without letting the problem become your dominant thought and consume your entire life. As psychologist Walter Mischel says, “There is a fine line between processing the experience to make it manageable, and reliving it and re-traumatizing yourself.” So, when you need help processing something upsetting, here are five helpful and hea...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Friends Publishers Self-Help Stress YourTango venting Source Type: blogs