When you witness negativity in others the main reaction may be annoyance or defensiveness about their attitude. You may experience their negativity as bothersome, and you may want to avoid them. That’s normal, most people don’t enjoy the company of negative people. Sadly, there’s more at stake than losing friends because of a negative attitude. People who are negative are at greater risk than they may realize for even bigger problems.
There are 3 BIG risks that come with chronic negativity. The risks of losing your
- Mental health
- Physical Health
- Relational Health
That’s a lot to lose.
Negativity affects your mental health- Negativity is linked to mental health issues like anxiety and depression. It can also be a root cause for some personality disorders. If these weren’t enough, negativity can also contribute to declined cognitive function. Studies indicate that repeated negative thinking can lead to memory loss and ultimately may contribute to dementia. Dwelling on negative things can keep someone fixated on a thought that could cause them mental harm. Ruminating about bad things can lead to paranoia, anxiety and fear. This can diminish coping skills and, in some cases, permanently alter someone’s perceptions of reality.
Negativity affects your physical health- Negativity is linked to the over production of three key hormones, adrenaline, norepinephrine, and cortisol. Chronic production of these hormones can damage the body and lead to stroke, heart disease, and heart attacks.
When our bodies are stressed, they produce hormones to help us manage fear or to escape a dangerous situation. These hormones are designed to be temporary because they affect blood pressure and other key functions. When we return to a natural state, our bodies recover and return to a neutral state of being. Consistent negativity keeps these hormones raging and that can lead to damage that can be irreversible.
Negativity affects your relationships- Losing a casual acquaintance to negativity may not seem like a big loss, but there’s a possibility of losing significant relationships. Many people suffer loss of their spouse, children, or even their careers due to negativity. It may take a while but eventually people become worn out and their feelings become permanently changed. When this happens, they often cut off relationships in order to protect their own mental health. It can be devastating and sometimes there’s no recovering the lost relationships.
There are some really BIG risks that come with being negative. They are worth avoiding and are good reminders of how valuable developing a positive mindset can be for all areas of your life.
