My brother and I are both dealing with chronic stress from our jobs in healthcare, and we've started this pattern of venting to each other that feels supportive in the moment but leaves us both more wound up afterward. We're wondering if we're actually helping each other cope or just reinforcing each other's stress patterns.
More people experience this than they realize.
Two people sharing similar stressors have developed a dynamic that feels supportive but may be reinforcing maladaptive stress responses.
“Where Are You with Stress — the psychology and biology?”
If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.