Perhaps the most widespread feelings in today’s cultural climate are anger and resentment. What exactly is resentment? Resentment is bitter, indignant feelings caused by the perception of having been treated unfairly. Both sides in not just the political climate of The United States, but practically everywhere we read or look. Resentment is acrimony, hatred, malice, ill-will, outrage, rage, bitterness. Who isn’t feeling resentment today?!!
So what are the key symptoms of resentment?
1. There is the biological symptom of a fight or flight response;
2. Those related to stress-related disorders
3. Cognitive traits of hyper-vigilance and cognitive dissonance
4. Behaviors that are direct and indirect expressions.
There are two faces of resentment: once is the acute one which involves triggers, symptoms and expression, and clinical presentations. This is the one that, when the political opposition presidential candidate’s name is uttered, the hearer flies into a rage. The impact of resentment is an altered brain; impaired health; impaired impulse control; cognitive distortions; problems with close relationships and work.
How do we resolve resentment? We must adopt calming strategies by reducing arousal, diffusing tension, using The STOP Method of just stopping oneself. One way to resolve this is also to use cognitive re-framing and Positive Psychology by finding common ground, understanding the other side, making yourself heard. In short, useful mindful interventions, expressing; remorse, compassion, empathy, and gratitude. Be Well Make Well!