Why it is OK to vent, sometimes

Social connection means sharing both positive and negative emotions. During a crisis, we can get comfort in sharing our fears and receive objective feedback.

However, we have to consider if the end of a conversation results in feeling less worried or sad or are both parties emotionally exhausted and feeling worse.

Venting our fears and concerns with others can reduce their intensity. Others may provide support and care and soother our negative feelings. We can do the same in turn for them.

We learn we are not alone and may learn how others cope with their frustration and fear, which can help us adopt those methods.

Venting should not become a habit as it won't fix the problem. When to stop negative emotions:

• When venting becomes the main coping style cause delays in adaptive action.
• When sharing with others stresses them.
• When you don't feel better, and one or both of you feel worse.
• Young children are not there to listen to our problems, and their job is not to soothe us.
• Talk to your doctor if you experience signs of clinical depression (depressed mood, low energy, poor or increased appetite, insomnia, and poor concentration).

• Get your facts from medical experts, not from rumors or random social media posts. 
• Do not get obsessed with the news. 
• Give yourself a chance to be distracted from bad news, by watching movies or comedies.
• Use this time for the activities you always wanted to do but did not have time. 
• Keep your routines. Go to bed and get up at the same time you did before, and eat your normal meals.
• If you are a social person, stay connected via phone, video chat, or other technology.
• Stay physically active as it not only improves your physical health and immune system but also helps with depression and anxiety.
• Meditate and use mindfulness techniques.
• Work on your yard or gardening projects.