Beware – 4 Toxic Feelings That Can Cripple You as You Get Older

Last updated on June 8, 2021

Recently, I received a message from a loved one saying, “I am sad, most of the time, depressed, frustrated, and stressed out. It is even more disturbing for me now, considering that I am getting old. Things just dey miserable.” The feelings of sadness, depression, frustration, and stress, are significant barriers to genuine happiness.

The simple fact is that those feelings are a poison that can lead to long-term adverse effects on your mental, physical and emotional health/well-being. But they don’t have to because there are effective ways of preventing and dealing with them. You can guard yourself against getting caught up in your feelings.

Depressive Feelings

According to the World Health Organization, depressive feelings are a leading cause of disability worldwide. In the United States, it is one of the most common mental health illnesses. Depression can affect people of all ages and can lead to suicide. While not a normal part of growing older, it is more common in mid-life. That is because persons within that age group have many more things that can trigger depression.

The Effects of Toxic Feelings on Your Mind and Body

Feelings of sadness, depression, frustration, and stress can result in many physical and emotional symptoms. Some ways they can affect you include:

1. Insomnia
2. Addiction
3. Memory difficulties
4. personality changes and behavioral problems
5. Weakened immune system
6. Increased risk of heart disease
7. Increased risk of heart attack
8. High blood pressure
9. Diabetes
10. Obesity
11. Skin problems, such as acne
12. Hormonal imbalance
13. Increase sensitivity to pain
14. Fatigue
15. Suicide

Effective Ways to Prevent Toxic Feelings

Everything begins with your thoughts. It dictates your mood, which determines how you act. So THINK POSITIVE. According to Johns Hopkins expert Yanek et al. (2013), there is a strong link between “positivity” and health. Researchers believe that optimistic people have better protection against the inflammatory damage of stress.

That is because hope and positivity help people make better health and life decisions and focus more on long-term goals. In addition, optimism improves outcomes and life satisfaction across a wide range of conditions. That includes traumatic brain injury, stroke, and brain tumors. Studies also suggest that negative emotions can weaken immune responses. 

An upbeat personality is innate. However, some steps can improve one’s outlook on life, thus reducing the risk of depression, sadness, frustration, and undue stress.

1. Smiling – even a fake smile – decreases heart rate and blood pressure during stressful situations.
2. Reframing – Instead of stressing about a failed relationship, see an undesired outcome as an opportunity to learn.
3. Build resilience by adapting to stressful and hostile situations and losses.
4. Maintain positive relations with family and friends. Do not isolate yourself.
5. Accept the change is part of life.
6. Resolve problems instead of complaining and doing nothing about them.
7. Let go of the past. It does no good.

INCREASE ENERGY AND MOOD LIFTING ACTIVITIES such as walking, jogging, hiking, swimming, and simply moving your body helps to:

1. Reduce stress hormone (cortisol), which can trigger or worsen depression when it is over.
2. Stimulate mood enhancers (endorphins) that create positive feelings and encourage relaxation.
3. The release of proteins known as neurotrophins helps nerve cells develop and form new connections that make you feel better.
4. Inject dopamine into the brain, which increases the pleasure we get from being around other people. That increases your chances to connect more and strengthen relationships.

ENGAGE IN A HOBBY: Listen to uplifting music or unwind by seeing a comedy

VISIT or CALL a friend or a family member.

• Please know that:
  • It is okay to pause and take a break once from time to time.
  • It is okay if things don’t go the way you planned.
  • It makes sense to drop that grudge.
  • It is okay not to be in control once in a while
  • It is natural to be less than perfect.
  • There’s nothing wrong with wanting more.
  • It is okay to get some restful sleep – sleeping is not for wimps.
  • It is okay not to be okay.

SHOW YOURSELF some compassion. Be kind to yourself

The purpose of this information is not to provide medical treatment for a depressive disorder. It cannot take the place of seeing a mental health professional. If you think you are depressed, please TALK WITH YOUR DOCTOR OR A MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL immediately. That is especially important if your symptoms are getting worse or affecting your daily activities.

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