Holistic Health
How venting can be healthy
It ’ s useful if done with good listeners
People are often advised to express their negative emotions as this is believed to have significant health benefits . But experts caution that any positive impact will depend on several factors , like how often people vent , whom they open up to , and the feedback they receive .
�By and large , we do need to get our negative emotions out , � Dr �achel Millstein , a staff psychologist in the behavioral medicine program and the Lifestyle Medicine Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston , told the American Heart Association ( AHA ). �The ways we do it , though , that ’ s where it ’ s healthy or unhealthy , productive or unproductive . �
�esearch has shown a strong link between psychological and cardiovascular health , with psychological interventions having a beneficial impact on the heart , according to an AHA statement . Similarly , researchers have found that �social connectedness , � or having a number of relationships that work as a support system and help create a sense of belonging , can extend life expectancy and improve health , says the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
For example , venting to people we trust can help us manage daily stress . �Calling a friend and letting it out can be helpful . It helps us feel connected to our social support networks , which is a big determinant of life satisfaction and overall well-being , � Dr Millstein told the AHA . This is particularly the case when speaking with someone who is supportive of your feelings even if they suggest a different opinion .
However , venting with someone who dismisses your feelings could be detrimental , says Dr �ohnatan Shaffer , an associate professor of clinical health psychology at the University of Colorado . �It ’ s invalidating to share and get no response from the other person . It might make you feel like you don ’ t have worth or are not loveable , � he said to the AHA .
Dr Millstein added that venting could be counterproductive if the listener increases the intensity of negative feelings , while sometimes friends might find it di�cult to cope with repeated venting sessions , and this could ruin the relationship .
Dr Shaffer recommends writing down one ’ s feelings if people don ’ t feel comfortable sharing them . �esearchers have observed several health benefits associated with the habit of daily writing , such as healing from traumatic experience , lowering blood pressure , strengthening the immune system , and improving sleep , while also reducing depression and pain . He also advises talking to a therapist if people are enduring significant stress levels .
Both venting with another person and in writing can benefit from focusing on positives as well , such as things people are grateful for , because this helps spark positive feelings , he explained .
It may also be helpful venting with people with a good sense of humour . �And don ’ t forget that humour is a really good coping strategy , � said Dr Millstein , as �sometimes other people can help us see the funny side of things . � n
Research has shown a strong link between psychological and cardiovascular health , with psychological interventions having a beneficial impact on the heart
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