Does Using Profanities Good For Your Mental Health?

Kael Elliot (ESTP) vs Ryana Suzumi (ISFJ)

 

Kael: Cussing is a natural part of my motherfucking repertoire, y'all. Why does it even matter if I use profanities? They're just words, not nuclear war weapons. So what if they offend sensitive ears? It ain't my fault their brains are too narrow to handle a few cuss words.

Suzumi: I believe that while profanity may be a natural part of your repertoire, it's also a way to express anger and frustration. While it may be useful to vent every now and again, the frequency of its usage can have a negative impact on one’s mental health. Overwhelming negativity can lead to a heightened stress response, which can in turn lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

Kael: So, using profanities may not be ideal for my mental health in the long term. But it can also provide an outlet for negative emotions and can even help me express my feelings more effectively than regular language. Not to mention, I can be a hella badass rapper. So, in conclusion, I think it's still worth it to use profanities because they’re just so much fun, and they make me feel so cool and badass.

Suzumi: Well, I don't deny that profanities have some therapeutic properties. It's been shown that cussing can help with stress relief and can be a great way to express your emotions. However, while using profanities every now and then may be appropriate and beneficial, too much of it can lead to the aforementioned negative effects, such as increased stress, anxiety, and depression. So, it's all about finding a healthy balance and utilizing them wisely.

Kael: Yeah, you're right. I guess I just gotta find a healthy balance when it comes to using profanity. Gotta keep in mind the line between therapeutic use and over-the-top abuse. But man, I just gotta tell you, doc. Sometimes swearing feels so good. Like you said, it can be a great way to express emotions, and it just feels... refreshing, I guess. So yeah, I'll definitely try to find that balance.

Suzumi: While it may feel good in the moment to let out your emotions by using profanity, in the long run, it could ultimately do more harm than good. Using profanities can also create a negative environment, causing misunderstandings and conflict with others. Additionally, it can be inappropriate in certain settings, such as in the workplace or around children, which could cause problems and hinder your relationships with other people.

Kael: Okay, I see your point. I mean, yeah, using profanities does create a negative environment in the long term. So you're right there. But at the same time, I've gotta ask... are there any downsides to never cussing? Like, is there any benefit for having an environment that's too nice and positive, where you can never show the darker parts of yourself?

Suzumi: I would argue that, while using profanity at times can be beneficial, never doing so can also have detrimental effects. In an environment where only positivity is allowed, people may fail to express their true emotions. It could also lead to repression and a lack of authenticity. Additionally, it can be mentally exhausting to constantly have to contain and control yourself, which can lead to increased stress and tension. So, you do have a point.

Kael: See, doc? We both have good points here. That's why I think a healthy balance is the answer. You just can't have TOO much positivity and be the nicest, nicest person on Earth because it'll drive you crazy. You've also got to be able to let the bad thoughts flow through you too. That's why swearing can be so helpful cause it gives you that outlet.

Suzumi: Yes, I do believe that there must be a balance. You're absolutely right when you say that too much positivity can be harmful, and it's important to have a healthy outlet to express negative emotions. So, yes, I agree with you. After much deliberation, you know what I'm going to say now?

Kael: Let me guess. You're gonna tell me that I win the debate, huh?

Suzumi: You bet your ass I'm gonna. You won the debate, bud. Congratulations.

Kael: Yeah, man! Look at the doc! She just let a cuss word slip out! She's a potty mouth now!

Suzumi: Hey, look, just because I said the word "ass" doesn't make me a swear-happy maniac. It was for emphasis, so it doesn't count.

Kael: Oh, c'mon, doc! Don't be a party pooper. You said a cuss word, that means you're a potty mouth! I’m not gonna let you forget this.

Suzumi: Fine, fine, you win... I'm a potty mouth. I'm a foul-mouthed scallywag who uses the naughty words. So, happy now?

Kael: You bet I’m happy! Now I can tease you without you trying to deny it.