Some people openly express how they feel on a regular basis.
They have no problem with telling it like it is to their internal world, whether they are happy, jealous, angry, or anxious.
However, many keep powerful emotions trapped inside of them.
They may share with those who are closest to them or finally explode when they reach a breaking point.
Venting feelings regularly is important for everyone for improved well-being.
The most important thing one can do is learn how to release pent-up feelings in a productive way that doesn’t hurt people.
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Why People Keep Their Emotions Bottled Up Inside
The majority of people keep their emotions under a tight rein for self-preservation.
They’re afraid of how others might react.
They fear that expressing true feelings could create a wedge between good friends or hurt an intimate relationship.
Photo credit: GoodLives
They also think that exposing emotions can make a person feel extremely vulnerable.
They find it easier to keep it in, go to the gym, meditate, or ignore all the turmoil churning inside.
Consequences of Sudden Venting of Feelings
While keeping emotions on a tight leash isn’t helpful, sudden venting has its drawbacks.
The person who vents may indeed hurt people, make things awkward at home or office, or even cause loss of property.
In extreme cases, they may lose their job or be convicted of assault.
Photo credit: Future Minds Lab
Sudden outbursts of rage will also make frustration peak.
One of the best examples is James Caan’s character, Sonny Corleone in The Godfather playing on DIRECTV STREAM.
In a powerful scene, Sonny unleashes his violent temper on his brother-in-law for abusing his sister.
His fury only builds as he goes on to attack and is betrayed later in the film.
The Right Way to Vent Your Emotions
Choose the Right Audience
The right person or people can impact the outcome of venting or even future venting situations. You need someone trustworthy but also wise enough to give you a feasible solution.
A supportive friend or coworker can be great.
Vent and Get Opinions
You can vent to your chosen audience and then ask for a different perspective and helpful advice. A constructive release of your emotions can help you to lower stress levels.
Your mental health will improve as well.
Be Careful About Deciding to Vent Online
When you do decide to vent, try to avoid sharing intimate emotions online.
Once you put your words out there, you won’t be able to take them back.
Anyone who follows you, including employers, could see what you have to say.
Damage control could be impossible, putting you in a worse situation.
Seek Professional Help
When all else fails, a licensed professional could be your best resource.
A therapist can provide you with a chance to release your emotions and offer coping strategies. You may learn about yourself, what makes you tick, and the triggers for your behavior.
Conclusion
Being a powder keg on the brink of explosion isn’t good for anyone.
Built-up pressure needs to be released.
Instead of letting it out in a sudden outburst in the wrong place at the wrong time, set the stage for successful venting.
Carefully choosing the audience and the environment can provide powerful relief and release, restoring emotional balance.
Alternatively, professional help can provide an additional outlet for feelings that are too powerful to control.
Choose the path that works best for you.
Great article!
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I think venting your feelings is okay with trusted people, at the right place and at the right time. Venting helps me to problem solve and see things from a clearer perspective. Unhealthy venting can be harmful.
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When our feelings get too overwhelming, we often shut people out and bottle them all up inside to protect ourselves. While it may seem harmless, there can be negative effect on our mental health.
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I think that it depends on how you vent your feelings, there are healthy ways to do it!
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In a healthy way, Yes. Expressing what you feel in healthy ways will help you clear your mind and change your perspective, which will enable you to come up with solid solutions for problems or situations on hand.
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These are great advice. Vent your emotion to the right people who will listen, who will not judge you, and give you the right advice that you need.
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Venting is so important! Without a good friend or spouse to vent to, it is hard to keep emotions bottled up. And it is good to have someone who listens and cares, and supports your venting!
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You are SO right about venting online, especially if done in haste. I do think that letting feelings out in the right setting is constructive.
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I used to think people should vent, and I still do but there is for sure a time and a place. I hate when people vent at work. It opens the door for a toxic cuture.
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I tend to keep my feelings to myself. I’ve found that venting just makes it worse.
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Very good article. it like a whole personal development book in a single post. You are right, keeping your emotions bottled up inside will result in sudden out burst if not checked, which often causes more harm than good. Venting on social media is a no no for me.
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I personally believe venting is paramount in maintaining good mental health. Without it, I would be a pent-up ball of anxiety and rage!
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In a way, yes, it is healthy. But at the same time, if you’re starting to make it a comfort zone to vent the same thing, then there’s something wrong. I think we must learn to move forward and grow from whatever experience, no matter how negative it may be.
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People are very different in how they express emotions. And official studies are inconclusive on whether keeping things to yourself will cause you to erupt at some point. It’s good to blow off steam when you can, you just need to be careful how you do it and to whom you do it.
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For me it always depends on how you are going to vent in your feelings and where or who are you going to vent to.
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It’s very common for people to feel vulnerable when expressing their emotions. It’s great that you’re encouraging people to seek healthy ways to deal with their emotions. Venting to a trusted person is a good start, but it’s also important to choose the right audience. Seeking professional help from a therapist can be really helpful too. Thank you for sharing this valuable advice.
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Honestly, we need to be careful about whom we talk to because it might not be good. Seeking a professional is a good way.
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I really enjoyed reading this post and found it very informative! Thanks for these ideas I love them!
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