What is resentment?
Resentment refers to intense feelings of anger or other negative emotions in responses to being mistreated. Feelings of resentment typically stem from an inability to experience and process painful emotions. An example of resentment can include someone who is very angry by the actions of their partner, but may be too fearful of conflict to address their partner’s behaviors. This might lead them to feel constantly irritated by their partner over time. Resentment can also occur when someone self-abandons their needs for the needs of others. Other signs of resentment or things that can trigger resentment include: unrealistic expectations of others, rumination, and feelings of inadequacy.
How does resentment impact me?
We all have and will experience anger, annoyance, and irritability with others from time to time. However, it becomes problematic when we are unable to forgive others and move past the pain. This can lead to resentment and grudges. Resentment can impact our relationships when left unresolved. We may tend to continuously feel angered by our relationship(s) and might even begin to hate the other person. Resentment can also increase negative emotions like anger, fear, and hopelessness which can impact anxiety and depression.
How can I move past resentment?
One of the first things to consider when grappling with resentment is understanding why letting go is so hard. Sometimes we hold on to resentment because we believe it’s protecting us, but in reality it is causing us more pain and is rupturing our relationships. Learning to manage conflict and communicate when we are hurt by someone’s actions can also be very helpful. Setting boundaries with loved ones can also help ensure we are not prioritizing someone else’s needs over our own. Finally, therapy can be a very safe and productive space to process and heal past resentment.
At Roamers Therapy, our psychotherapists are here to support you through anxiety, depression, trauma and relationship issues, race-ethnicity issues, LGBTQIA+ issues, ADHD, Autism, or any challenges you encounter. Our psychotherapists are trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Acceptance, and Commitment Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Gottman Therapy.
Whether you’re seeking guidance on a specific issue or need help navigating difficult emotions, we’re ready to assist you every step of the way.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and schedule a session with our mental health professionals to begin your healing journey. To get started with therapy, visit our booking page.
First, decide if you’ll be paying out-of-pocket or using insurance. If you’re a self-pay client, you can book directly through the “Book Now” page or fill out the “Self-Pay/Out-of-network Inquiry Form.” If you’re using insurance, fill out the “Insurance Verification Form” to receive details about your costs and availability. Please let us know your preferred therapist. If your preferred therapist isn’t available, you can join the waitlist by emailing us. Once your appointment is confirmed, you’ll receive intake documents to complete before your first session.
This page is also part of the Roamers Therapy Glossary; a collection of mental-health related definitions that are written by our therapists.
While our offices are currently located at the South Loop neighborhood of Downtown Chicago, Illinois, we also welcome and serve clients for online therapy from anywhere in Illinois and Washington, D.C. Clients from the Chicagoland area may choose in-office or online therapy and usually commute from surrounding areas such as River North, West Loop, Gold Coast, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Lake View, Rogers Park, Logan Square, Pilsen, Bridgeport, Little Village, Bronzeville, South Shore, Hyde Park, Back of the Yards, Wicker Park, Bucktown and many more. You can visit our contact page to access detailed information on our office location.