I think people underestimate how unhealthy frequent venting can be.

Bottling up emotions can obviously cause issues, but the more you talk about these negative things, the more you think about them and obsess over them. Sort of the inverse of why practicing gratitude is proven to be good for your mental health, thinking about good things just makes you feel good.

Does that stop me? Of course not, I like the attention. Maybe I should start posting nudes instead.

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Miram · 31-35, F

My dude. You are right in the sense that dwelling can be destructive.

But it is not the same as venting.

Gratitude works not because you give shape to feelings. It works because you are sort of closing a loop. It is the resolution at the end of it.

Venting can work the same if there is structure and a resolution.

BlueVeins · 26-30

@Miram Not the same but very closely related. Tends to be a matter of degrees.

BlueVeins · 26-30

@Miram What loop does gratitude close?

Miram · 31-35, F

@BlueVeins Many cognitive appraisal loops. It shifts to reappraisal and enhances other related skills. For example you see a threat and readdress it as a challenge or learning experience.

Brain creates many many many many many , endless loops.

Most therapy is about closing them constructively.