Fit & Well magazine explored whether our ‘guilty pleasure’ of gossip could actually be good for us with expert advice on mental health from Chloe Ward, Technician at Smart TMS, the UK’s leading mental health clinic specialising in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy.
The Fit & Well magazine feature headlined:
“GOSSIP without the guilt!”
According to the article, 60% of adult conversations are about someone who isn’t there. Sharing secrets and information is part of human bonding.
Chloe told Fit & Well magazine:
“It’s a great way to demonstrate common values and sense of humour, as well as share worries ad seek support. And having a mutual dislike creates a stronger bond than sharing similar likes.
“Humans have an innate desire to know about other people’s lives. People are motivated to engage in gossip in order to bond, to entertain themselves, to vent emotions and to maintain social order within a group.”
So why do we feel better after a gossip?
Chloe explained:
“This is because frustration that caused you to gossip in the first place has been released.”
Gossiping causes levels of oxytocin to increase while reducing cortisol – this promotes feelings of wellbeing and reduces stress.
In addition, Chloe points out that gossiping is not necessarily detrimental to the other person, as it can help to build empathy. She says:
“It may allow people to understand a difficult personal situation that another may be facing.”
Hearing good stories about others can also be motivational.
3 Tips for Healthy Gossip
To avoid negativity, Fit & Well advise:
- Be a sounding board
Allow people to confide in you, letting them discuss things while maintaining confidentiality - Ask for feedback
While chatting, discuss how to approach the situation - Gossip positively
Look out for negativity and bitchiness, make a point of saying nice things
Fit & Well, Gossip Without The Guilt
September 2018
Chloe Ward, TMS Technician
Chloe is a member of the Smart TMS team of technicians. She has excellent Psychology qualifications and credentials including a BSc in psychology and an MSc in Counselling Psychology.
Prior to working at Smart TMS, her experience included working for the Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Trust and Mind, as well as a local pregnancy help counselling organisation.
Chloe is based at Smart TMS Birmingham, where she enjoys delivering TMS treatment and helping patients on their journey to recovery.
Private rTMS for Depression Treatment
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a technological breakthrough in the treatment of depression and anxiety without drugs.
Additionally, there is clinical evidence for a variety of further potential treatment applications including: addictions (alcohol, cocaine, meth, nicotine, gambling) as well as DPD (Depersonalisation Disorder), OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), BPD (borderline personality disorder).
The treatment is now available for private patients at Smart TMS, a specialist provider of the innovative treatment with an expanding network of locations around the UK and Ireland including:
CONTACT US
For any queries or to book an appointment, please contact us:
Tel: 0345 222 5678
Email: info@smarttms.co.uk