Voicing frustrations in small doses, however, does have its place as a stress reliever.
So, You Mean There Are Benefits to Complaining?
Letting your bottled-up emotions loose can be cathartic, and at times, eye-opening when done right.
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Here are some of the reasons why people are often prone to complaining.
Positive thinking brings great benefits, and a cheerful attitude can be contagious in the most enjoyable way.
Sometimes, we just need to blow off steam by expressing ourselves.
Hearing someone say, “I know how you feel.
I’d be frustrated, too!”
can feel like a warm hug.
People oftenengage in complainingas a way to ask for help.
We need to build motivation.
Focusing on what is difficult about a situation can be a way to build motivation to make a change.
It’s part of the process of getting there.
Where Complaining Goes Wrong
Complaining, of course, can be damaging as well.
Here are some of the pitfalls of too much complaining.
Pessimistic Outlook
Research shows that there are many benefits to anoptimistic outlookand pitfalls to a pessimistic one.
A habitual focus on the negative can bring a habitually pessimistic perspective.
This anger can lead to relationship and health issues and is not good for you.
Negative Groups
Complaining can be contagious.
Those who frequently complain can be experienced as ‘energy vampires’ by others.
Be careful that your complaints don’t become so heavy that they overwhelm your listener.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
