Fatemeh Vismayee, a psychologist, points to the negative effects of greed on physical and mental health, explaining that this habit is related to a combination of emotions such as anger and anxiety. She states that greed is not a diagnostic term by itself, but rather a kind of mental and physical experience that arises in stressful situations.
Greed and Anger; Two Sides of the Same Coin
Vismayee discusses the differences between greed and anger, stating that greed can be indicative of suppressed anger. For example, an individual who is extremely angry may focus their mind on replaying the event instead of expressing their anger, resulting in rumination. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing and expressing these feelings, stating that there should be a balance between expression and introspection.
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The Role of Personality and Self-Esteem in Greed
This psychologist also addresses the impact of personality and self-esteem on reactions to problems. She states that individuals who feel they can overcome challenges are more likely to move towards problem-solving, while others become more engaged in worry and greed when faced with despair. Vismayee emphasizes that this issue relates to a set of emotional regulation traits and skills and cannot simply be attributed to personality or self-esteem.
She further mentions the obsession with perfectionism, stating that this trait can play a role in daily acts of greed. She explains that the greater the gap between an individual's expectations and reality, the higher the likelihood of frustration and greed. This feeling of frustration becomes especially pronounced when a person's peace is heavily dependent on the conditions and behaviors of others.
The Impact of Greed on Physical Health
Fatemeh Vismayee continues by discussing the impact of greed on physical health, stating that if this habit becomes a regular pattern, it can lead to chronic stress. She explains that ongoing stress can affect sleep, blood pressure, muscle tension, and digestive function. According to her, a mind that is constantly preoccupied with an issue cannot return to a state of calm, which can exacerbate stress symptoms.
Finally, Vismayee warns that if an individual consistently views daily events through the lens of "injustice" or "the unreliability of the world," this perspective can become a fixed thought pattern and trap the individual. She emphasizes that not everyone who is greedy becomes pessimistic, but this situation can lay the groundwork for pessimism and dissatisfaction with life.
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