Do I Experience Resentment?

Do you experience continual or recurring feelings of a strong emotion, such as anger, when thinking about a specific interaction or event?

Do you have feelings of regret?

Are your relationships tensed?

Do you have an inability to stop thinking about the situation or person that triggered the strong emotions?

Do you feel inadequate or less-than others?

Do you have a fear or avoidance of conflict?

Based on your answers, you may not be experiencing resentment. Feelings of resentment may result from an inadequate way of expressing emotions after a painful experience. A person experiencing resentment may feel personally victimized but may be too ashamed or angry to discuss the emotions. Feelings of resentment can occur after a negative comment made by a friend. But it can also be broad and applied to a specific group, often leading to horrible consequences. For example, racism often develops from deep feelings of resentment. In your case, there is no need to worry, but it’s always good to know that it exists and to talk about it when it appears.

Based on your answers, you may be showing one or more signs of resentment. Resentment can quickly disappear when someone thinks an event was misinterpreted, or when the person receives an apology from the person who committed the bad act. However, for some it can also become a persistent emotion. If that happens, the person may hold on to negative feelings and becoming unable to let go of anger. It will affect the person’s mental health. Letting go of resentment means forgiving. Most of the time, making peace with something and moving on works well. It’s all about adjusting one’s emotional responses. If you think you need some help, you can always reach out to a mental health professional.

Unfortunately, you are displaying various signs typically seen among individuals who experience resentment. Resentment is a common emotion, which will make most people feel angry or annoyed over unfair treatment. However, when someone is unable to forgive, serious problems may occur. It’s understandable if someone resents a parent after years of abuse. But if a person feels the victim in every negative situation that happens to them, it will be almost impossible to see positive outcomes. It’s essential to acknowledge the feelings of resentment and to face them, in order to move on. Talk to a mental health professional for advises.