As a mental health expert, I have encountered many individuals who struggle with expressing their emotions. Oftentimes, they feel guilty or ashamed for wanting to vent to someone else. However, I firmly believe that there is nothing wrong with venting. In fact, it can be a powerful tool for emotional relief and healing.
When we experience strong feelings such as frustration, anger, confusion, or fear, it is natural to want to express them to someone else. This act of sharing our emotions with another person can provide us with a sense of relief and validation. It is like releasing the pressure from a boiling pot. In these moments, we may feel like we are expressing ourselves or seeking support from the other person.
But what many people do not realize is that venting can also be a way of letting go of trauma. According to Dr. Tyler Jones, the medical director of Banner Behavioral Health Hospital, the words we use to describe our social interactions can reveal a lot about our mental state. Whether we are venting or letting go of trauma often depends on the listener and how they respond to what we share.
However, there are some fundamental differences between venting and letting go of trauma. Venting is a healthy way to share negative emotions and reduce stress. On the other hand, when we let go of trauma, we may share too much in a way that overwhelms or ignores the listener's feelings. If you find yourself constantly talking about your traumatic experiences and would like to seek help from a behavioral health professional, I encourage you to reach out to Banner Health.
For some individuals, it may be easier to talk about their frustrations or vent to people who can understand their experiences. As long as it is not harmful to the other person and does not hinder our own emotional control, the need to vent is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, positive venting can reduce stress. However, negative venting can lead to increased stress and even physical health problems.
Studies have shown that venting anger, whether online or verbally, does not effectively reduce subsequent aggression. The results consistently show that those who vent do not experience lower levels of aggression. In fact, their anger and aggression scores may even be slightly higher after venting. In general, it is best to only vent to someone if they have explicitly stated that they are able to receive it at that time.
For individuals who feel a sudden urge to let off steam, online therapy through BetterHelp offers a convenient way to connect with a therapist through in-app messaging. This means that you can reach out for support whenever you need it, even in the midst of intense emotions. If you prefer talking to a friend or loved one about your feelings, it is important to ask for their consent and make sure that you do so in a non-aggressive manner. It is also helpful to check if they have the time and emotional space to listen before you start venting, especially if you want to discuss a sensitive issue.
In one study, researchers surveyed students from Virginia Technological University and Northern Illinois University after mass shootings occurred on each campus. They found that expressing their pain through social media helped them in their recovery process.
