How to Overcome Bitterness & Resentment

While bitterness and resentment are natural reactions to hurtful events, they are also highly destructive. According to Life Works Counseling, these emotions can damage your peace of mind and self-image and can keep you from claiming responsibility for your own actions. They may even have a physical effect on your health, the Arthritis Foundation states. These emotions increase stress, which can raise your heart rate and blood pressure and interfere with the proper functioning of the immune system. Forgiving grievances tends to have the reverse effect. There are several approaches you can try to manage bitterness and resentment.

Instructions

• 1

  Consider spirituality if you are not already religious, according to the Christian Broadcasting Network. If you are religious, try attending church more often. Pray, or perhaps make an appointment with your priest or other spiritual leader to discuss issues that are causing your resentment and bitterness. Work on forgiving those who may have offended or hurt you. Forgive yourself as well.

• 2

  Volunteer your time. All sorts of charities and other organizations need help with extra tasks. Helpguide points out that volunteering has positive effects on both your physical and mental health. Volunteering can keep you moving and put you in touch with other people, particularly those who are facing hard challenges, which may change your perspective. Becoming a volunteer also combats stress and negative emotions. Pick an organization that interests you and call to see if there is any way you can help. You can benefit the organization and yourself at the same time.

• 3

  Find a qualified counselor. Getting to the root of what is causing the bitterness and resentment will help you figure out how to combat it. Life Works Counseling recommends talking about your resentments. Writing them down may also help. Examine the causes of your feelings to see what you need to learn from them. Let go of unnecessary baggage and try to see your situation from someone else's point of view. This will help you forgive and move on.

• 4

  Find other sources of support if you choose not to pursue counseling. Support groups exist for people going through a variety of challenges, as well as for family members and friends of someone facing difficulty. Some groups meet in person, such as twelve-step programs. If actually attending meetings does not appeal to you, look online for a group that relates to your particular issues. If no kind of formal support group appeals to you, at least be sure to surround yourself with friends or family who will understand your struggle and your need to talk.