Although teens may realize that holding onto a grudge is detrimental, they often don’t know how to get rid of it.

Many times feelings are left unsaid, resulting in additional stress to the already hectic lives of teens. The anxiety that teens then feel prompts them to develop unhealthy habits, often leading to negative outcomes.

High school counselor Cleo Eubanks has an opinion about what the stress of a grudge can do.

“When you’re under stress, you can’t think. Half of the time, the only thing on your brain will be the grudge.” Eubanks said.

The way one teen acts often influences others. Holding a grudge not only takes a toll on the owner’s mental health but also those around her. Humans have a tendency to unconsciously mimic what they see.

Sophomore Kate Hennion recalls a time when she held a grudge.

“I had held a grudge for a while and it really affected me in a negative way. I was angry a lot of times and I didn’t talk about it with anyone,” Hennion said. “Then, I realized that the negativity was influencing my friends and family’s lives too.”

As bad as grudges can be, one cannot always avoid it. It takes real effort and self-control to avoid holding a grudge.

“It’s human nature. We can’t help but feel resentment when faced with a bitter situation,” Eubanks said, “We hold things back to prevent but we’re really making things worse.”

The only real way to deal with a grudge is to deal with it, according to Hennion.

“Remind yourself to stay calm, to listen and remain open-minded, ” Hennion said, “It is important to know why you had a grudge in the first place. What happens in the past should stay there.”