The Difference Between Healthy Venting and Toxic Dumping

We can all get upset at times but there are healthy ways to express frustration and anger.

It is important, especially for empaths and sensitive people to be aware of the difference between venting and dumping as the later can beat down one’s positivity and self-worth.

As a psychiatrist and empath myself I have a hard time tolerating loud noises.

So, for the sake of preservation, I have a “no yelling” rule in my house.

For sensitive people, a healthier way to express anger is through venting, whereas dumping is toxic and can traumatize and overwhelm us.

For instance, if your spouse wants to vent, ask him or her to make a formal request by saying,

“I have a request. I need to vent about an issue.

Is that okay to do now?”

This gives you some warning so you’re not hijacked.

Then, it’s your choice to discuss the issue right away or later when you have adequate time and feel more centered.

Here are some guidelines from my book, “The Empath’s Survival Guide” to follow when you or someone else is communicating anger or frustration.

Communication is vital when it comes to expressing anger or other intense emotions.

Knowing the difference between venting and dumping is a positive start to having clarity in your relationships.

If someone starts dumping on you, it’s fine to excuse yourself and tell them “I can talk to you when you are calmer.”

Learning to protect yourself in this way, particularly if you are a sensitive person, is an important form of self-care.

Read This Isn’t the Time to Accept Toxic Behavior From Anyone

(Adapted from “The Empath’s Survival Guide” by Judith Orloff MD)


The Difference Between Healthy Venting and Toxic Dumping

Published On:

Last updated on:

Dr. Judith Orloff

Judith Orloff, MD is the New York Times best-selling author of The Empath’s Survival Guide: Life Strategies for Sensitive People. Her new book Thriving as an Empath offers daily self-care tools for sensitive people along with its companion The Empath’s Empowerment Journal. Dr. Orloff is a psychiatrist, an empath, and is on the UCLA Psychiatric Clinical Faculty. She synthesizes the pearls of traditional medicine with cutting edge knowledge of intuition, energy, and spirituality. Dr. Orloff also specializes in treating highly sensitive, empathic people in her private practice. Dr. Orloff’s work has been featured on The Today Show, CNN, Oprah Magazine, the New York Times. Dr. Orloff has spoken at Google-LA and has a popular TEDX talk. Her other books are Thriving as an Empath: 365 Days of Self-Care for Sensitive People, The Empowered Empath’s Journal, Emotional Freedom and Guide to Intuitive Healing. Explore more information about her Empath Support Online course and speaking schedule on www.drjudithorloff.com.

Disclaimer: The informational content on The Minds Journal have been created and reviewed by qualified mental health professionals. They are intended solely for educational and self-awareness purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing emotional distress or have concerns about your mental health, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional or healthcare provider.

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We can all get upset at times but there are healthy ways to express frustration and anger.

It is important, especially for empaths and sensitive people to be aware of the difference between venting and dumping as the later can beat down one’s positivity and self-worth.

As a psychiatrist and empath myself I have a hard time tolerating loud noises.

So, for the sake of preservation, I have a “no yelling” rule in my house.

For sensitive people, a healthier way to express anger is through venting, whereas dumping is toxic and can traumatize and overwhelm us.

For instance, if your spouse wants to vent, ask him or her to make a formal request by saying,

“I have a request. I need to vent about an issue.

Is that okay to do now?”

This gives you some warning so you’re not hijacked.

Then, it’s your choice to discuss the issue right away or later when you have adequate time and feel more centered.

Here are some guidelines from my book, “The Empath’s Survival Guide” to follow when you or someone else is communicating anger or frustration.

Communication is vital when it comes to expressing anger or other intense emotions.

Knowing the difference between venting and dumping is a positive start to having clarity in your relationships.

If someone starts dumping on you, it’s fine to excuse yourself and tell them “I can talk to you when you are calmer.”

Learning to protect yourself in this way, particularly if you are a sensitive person, is an important form of self-care.

Read This Isn’t the Time to Accept Toxic Behavior From Anyone

(Adapted from “The Empath’s Survival Guide” by Judith Orloff MD)


The Difference Between Healthy Venting and Toxic Dumping

Published On:

Last updated on:

Dr. Judith Orloff

Judith Orloff, MD is the New York Times best-selling author of The Empath’s Survival Guide: Life Strategies for Sensitive People. Her new book Thriving as an Empath offers daily self-care tools for sensitive people along with its companion The Empath’s Empowerment Journal. Dr. Orloff is a psychiatrist, an empath, and is on the UCLA Psychiatric Clinical Faculty. She synthesizes the pearls of traditional medicine with cutting edge knowledge of intuition, energy, and spirituality. Dr. Orloff also specializes in treating highly sensitive, empathic people in her private practice. Dr. Orloff’s work has been featured on The Today Show, CNN, Oprah Magazine, the New York Times. Dr. Orloff has spoken at Google-LA and has a popular TEDX talk. Her other books are Thriving as an Empath: 365 Days of Self-Care for Sensitive People, The Empowered Empath’s Journal, Emotional Freedom and Guide to Intuitive Healing. Explore more information about her Empath Support Online course and speaking schedule on www.drjudithorloff.com.

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