It’s Time to Expose Two Emotions That “Steal” Up to 20 Years of Your Lifespan—Yet Almost Everyone Has Experienced Them at Least Once

There are emotions that slowly “gnaw away” at the body, causing damage no less severe than cancer or other life-threatening diseases.

Most of us are willing to invest large amounts of money in expensive supplements, tonics, or strict diets to prolong life and preserve our appearance. However, health experts warn that all efforts to care for the body become meaningless if you allow two toxic psychological states to quietly steal your health from within.

A study published in September 2025 in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe revealed an alarming truth: common but severe or long-lasting psychological problems can shorten a person’s lifespan by 10–20 years—comparable to the devastation caused by serious chronic illnesses. Among them are two familiar emotions:

1. Prolonged sadness and discouragement

If feelings of sadness and low mood persist over time, they can develop into depression, placing a tremendous burden on the cardiovascular system. According to the study, people who frequently live in a state of discouragement have up to a 72% higher risk of heart disease.

When the mind sinks into gloom, biological pathways such as inflammation and stress-hormone responses are activated, worsening damage to blood vessels. This makes it difficult for any supplements or diets to compensate for the intense biological decline occurring inside the cells.

2. Chronic anxiety

Worry about life, work, and daily pressures—if not released—can lead to anxiety disorders, keeping the body trapped in a state of chronic stress. Research shows that people with anxiety disorders have a 41% higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease compared to the general population.

At this stage, stress hormone levels remain persistently high, pushing blood pressure into dangerous territory and increasing “bad” cholesterol levels. Anxiety is not just a mental state—it is a cycle of physical destruction that exhausts the cardiovascular system and robs the body of decades of precious life.

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The two-way interaction between illness and negative emotions

Even more striking, the relationship between mental and physical health works in both directions. Scientists estimate that more than 40% of people with cardiovascular disease also struggle with sadness and anxiety. Those with these disorders face a 50% to twofold higher risk of death from stroke and heart disease compared to others.

This “comorbidity,” combined with poorer access to medical care due to psychological barriers, creates a life-expectancy gap of up to 20 years.

How can you reduce negative emotions and cultivate a positive mindset?

Although emotional control is not easy, you can take the following steps:

• Regular health checkups and timely treatment: Periodically undergo in-depth psychological assessments, stress-hormone testing, gut health checks, and address problems seriously as soon as they are detected.

• Share and release emotions: Keep a journal, connect with friends, family, or professionals to express emotional distress instead of suppressing it until mental illness becomes physical illness.

• Exercise to release pressure: Combine stretching at work with high-intensity physical activities (jogging, swimming) to burn off stress toxins.

• Adjust lifestyle and environment: Reorganize your living space to be greener and cleaner, disconnect from negative news sources, and prioritize sleep to help the nervous system recover. Even changes in living or working environments may be worth considering if necessary.

• Practice mindfulness techniques: Use deep-breathing exercises (such as the 4-7-8 method) or short meditation sessions to calm the heart rate and rebalance emotions instantly.

• Mood-supporting nutrition: Build a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and B vitamins from natural foods to nourish a healthy brain.