mental health

The Ill-Effects of Venting Your Frustrations

When you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, venting is usually the first thing that comes to your mind. Talking about your problems, ranting to a friend, or shouting your grievances to the world might make you feel better, but according to research, venting isn’t as helpful as we think it is. In a recent article published by Psychology Today, research suggests that venting doesn’t benefit individuals in the way we think it does. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the study’s findings and what it means for you.

Venting is usually seen as a healthy coping mechanism, but what the research suggests is that it may actually be harmful to your mental health. According to the study conducted by Brad Bushman and Roy Baumeister, venting can make you feel better initially, but it doesn’t help you resolve the issues at hand. This means that you’re more likely to experience the same problems again and again because you’re not actively seeking solutions.

Furthermore, venting can also make you angrier, more aggressive and cause others to distance themselves from you. If you regularly vent your frustrations on others, it may place a strain on your relationships, and you may feel isolated when you need support the most. Instead of venting, try to process and share your emotions in a calmer state and seek solutions like therapy that will help you address your issues.

Another important point to note is that venting can also reinforce negative thought patterns, and this can lead to depression and anxiety. When you vent, you’re essentially magnifying your problems, and you’re making them seem bigger than they are. This can cause you to dwell on your issues, and you may find yourself feeling more anxious and overwhelmed as a result. By not venting, and instead focusing on solutions, you can shift your mindset and take a more positive and proactive approach to your challenges.

A potential solution to not venting is to engage with positive activities that work for you, such as exercise, reading, meditation, or spending time in nature. By focusing on activities that lift your spirits rather than letting off steam, you’ll be able to process your emotions more effectively and reduce stress as well.

In conclusion, venting is not the solution to your problems, even though it might seem like it is. As the research suggests, it can do more harm than good, causing unnecessary strain on your relationships and amplifying negative thoughts. Instead, try to address your problems rationally, consider alternative approaches, and engage with positive activities that support your wellbeing. Being proactive about your problems is a more effective way to manage them and will help you move forward in a more positive, self-supportive manner.

When to Seek Psychotherapy: Signs You Need Help

Mental health issues can influence our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, interfering with daily functioning and leading to significant distress. Psychotherapy is an effective way to achieve the support and guidance needed to overcome these challenges. The question is, when should you consider seeking psychotherapy? In this blog post, we will explore several signs that suggest you may need professional help and how psychotherapy can help you heal.

1. You Feel Overwhelmed, Stressed, or Anxious

Life can be tough sometimes, and the pressure can leave us feeling anxious and overwhelmed. However, when that feeling persists and begins to interfere with daily life, it’s time to seek help. Psychotherapy can help you learn essential coping strategies that can help reduce stress and anxiety. Therapy can also provide you with the tools for identifying and changing negative thought patterns, as well as boosting self-esteem.

2. You Have Experienced a Significant Life Change

Significant life changes, such as a divorce, job loss, or loss of a loved one, can be stressful and overwhelming, leading to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Seeking psychotherapy can provide the support and guidance needed to overcome these challenges. Additionally, therapy can help you navigate difficult life transitions while creating a sense of normalcy and routine.

3. You Have Trouble Maintaining Healthy Relationships

Our relationships play a crucial role in our lives, providing us with support, love, and meaning. However, when our relationships become dysfunctional, they can cause significant distress and interfere with daily life. Psychotherapy can help you work through and resolve relationship issues like communication challenges, infidelity, and lack of trust. Therapy can also help you understanding relationship patterns that may have been learned from past experiences.

4. You Experience Frequent Mood Swings

Mood swings can indicate underlying emotional distress, such as depression or bipolar disorder. These mood swings can also interfere with daily life and relationships. Psychotherapy can provide a safe environment for discussion and exploration of the symptoms and concerns and provide the tools required to manage mental health issues.

5. You Have Experienced Tramua

Trauma effects are long-lasting and can interfere with relationships, work and daily life. Trauma can stem from sexual or emotional abuse, a tragic accident, criminal activity, or military combat. Seeking psychotherapy can help you work through and resolve the negative emotions associated with the traumatic event.

At some point in our lives, we all need help managing the stressors and challenges of daily living. Seeking professional help from a psychotherapist is not a sign of weakness, but a way of empowering oneself to face the challenges head-on. Psychotherapy can help you build coping skills, identify and modify negative beliefs or thoughts, and find positive ways to deal with challenges. If you notice any of the above signs in your life, don’t hesitate to contact a qualified psychotherapist. Improve your mental wellbeing with psychotherapy today!

Loneliness and What to Do About it

Loneliness is a problem that is all too common in the modern world. According to a recent article in the New York Times, Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy has written a new report about the health risks of loneliness and strategies to feel less lonely.

The Health Risks of Loneliness

Contrary to popular belief, loneliness is not just a mental health issue, it can also have physical consequences. According to the Surgeon General’s report, loneliness is associated with a higher risk of:

Cardiovascular disease

Dementia

Depression and anxiety

Substance abuse

Suicide

Strategies to Combat Loneliness

The good news is that there are many strategies that can help combat loneliness. Here are some of the recommendations from the Surgeon General’s report:

Strengthen existing relationships

One way to feel less lonely is to strengthen your existing relationships. This might mean spending more time with friends and family, or reaching out to people you have lost touch with.

Join groups and organizations

Joining groups and organizations is another way to combat loneliness. This might mean joining a club based on your interests, volunteering, or attending religious services.

Practice mindfulness

Practicing mindfulness can help you feel more present and connected. This might mean meditating, breathing exercises, or simply taking time to focus on your thoughts and feelings.

Seek professional help

If you are struggling with loneliness, it may be helpful to seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can provide guidance and support as you work through your feelings.

Loneliness is a problem that affects millions of people, but there are actions that can be taken to combat it. As the Surgeon General’s report shows, strengthening relationships, joining groups, practicing mindfulness, and seeking professional help are all effective strategies to feel less lonely and improve overall health and well-being. So, if you’re feeling lonely, don’t hesitate to try these recommendations and seek support.

“I’m Normal” and Other Lies We Tell Ourselves

This article in Psychology Today called “’I’m Normal’ and Other Lies We Tell Ourselves” points out that, while we feel normal to ourselves, we often project what it’s like to be us onto other people. It’s an interesting read with relevance in today’s social backdrop, and we recommend you check it out.

Key takeaways include:

Averages lie. Even when looking to data to see what is ‘normal’, psychologists often find themselves with flawed statistics that don’t really represent anyone’s experience.
There is no “normal” in mental disorders either. For example, there are more than 1,000 different symptom patterns found in people with depression alone.

Normal is not the goal. Healthy is the goal and it’s customizable.

Getting Out of Your Own Way

This Psychology Today article is called “Getting Out of Your Own Way: Bias and Self Defeating Actions.” Research shows the self-criticism is rarely, if ever, an effective way to change behavior. What’s a good alternative then for when you fall short of your goals and standards? This article would argue self-compassion.

Key takeaways include:

Understanding the difference between ‘self compassion’ and ‘self pity’.
Strategies to make self-compassion a habit. It’s one thing to be nice to yourself in times of hardship. It can be a challenge to do it consistently but well worth the effort.

Foster self-compassion by checking out our individual therapy services