"Famous for his capacity to forgive his persecutors, Nelson Mandela is credited with the quote resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies. But many people experience a strong temptation to continue to drink the poison of resentment in vain. This often results in enduring low mood and depression that can have profound psychological, relational and physiological impacts."
"It often stems from a sense of injustice, whether real or perceived. Many grievances, particularly those arising from structural inequalities, discrimination, or unfair treatment, may indeed be morally justified. Yet, remaining bound to these grievances comes with a heavy psychological toll. Chronic fixation on past wrongs narrows thinking, making realistic action toward restitution or reparation difficult. Instead, individuals ruminate and indulge in fantasies of revenge."
"The hazards of prolonged resentment are manifold. Beyond depression and rumination, an inability to let go keeps the nervous system in a state of hyperarousal, mirroring post-traumatic stress patterns. Chronic hostility has been linked to hypertension, cardiovascular risk and a weakened immune system. Moreover, resentment is self-perpetuating: passive-aggressive communication, withdrawal and hostility alienate others, which reinforces feelings of injustice and isolation."
Resentment often originates in perceived or real injustice, including structural inequalities, discrimination, and unfair treatment. Persistent resentment narrows thinking, fuels rumination, and blocks realistic actions toward restitution or repair. Chronic fixation maintains nervous system hyperarousal similar to post-traumatic stress and increases risk for depression, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and immune dysfunction. Resentment drives passive-aggressive behavior, withdrawal, and hostility that alienate others and perpetuate isolation and relational breakdowns, including marital failure. Neuroscience shows that imagining or enacting revenge activates dorsal striatum reward circuits, making revenge fantasies psychologically addictive despite fleeting pleasure and harmful long-term consequences.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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