A psychologist, Derrick Oppong, has warned that holding on to unforgiveness can have negative effects on an individual’s mental health and overall well-being.
His comments come as the world marks World Forgiveness Day, a day dedicated to promoting forgiveness, reconciliation and emotional healing while encouraging people to let go of resentment and embrace peace.
Speaking to the media, Mr Oppong said refusing to forgive people who have wronged you can contribute to unhealthy lifestyles and increase the risk of health complications, including heart-related problems.
According to him, people who hold on to resentment often make decisions based on avoiding those who hurt them, a situation that may cause them to miss valuable opportunities for personal growth and success.
He explained that unforgiveness can also push some individuals into destructive behaviours, including substance abuse and promiscuous lifestyles, as they attempt to hurt those who offended them.
However, Mr Oppong noted that such actions often end up causing more harm to the individuals involved and negatively affect their mental health.
Meanwhile, some Ghanaians shared their views on issues they find difficult to forgive. Many said that because life is unpredictable, they would rather forgive, let go of past hurts and move on instead of holding on to resentment.
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