Since we are children we are taught that if someone asks for forgiveness - he should be forgiven. But reality reveals that sometimes it's just too hard. So we asked psychologists if it was really healthy to forigive at any cost, and what happens if you just can't let go of the anger.

Many refer to forgiveness as an act of transcendence or even heroism - but in fact, forgiveness is first and foremost meant to make us feel better about ourselves, and it contributes to the person who forgives much more than he can imagine.

"Forgiveness is more important to forgive than to be forgiven", Explains Mali Topaz , an expert clinical psychologist. "A person who does not forgive, is left with severe feelings of anger, depression or even post-trauma. These things not only weigh on the mind. They can also lead to the development of physical illnesses."

Adi Bitner , herself a clinical psychologist and owner of the Sol Institute for Psychotherapy, shares this view, noting that "neuropsychology teaches us that distressing situations, such as those that occur when a person has difficulty forgiving and releasing, cause the secretion of neurotransmitters (nerve conductors) that can damage various nerves."

Resentment is harmful to health

And this, it is important to understand, is not just a determination of psychologists. There is quite a bit of evidence for this in the medical literature as well. A study conducted at Harvard University found thatPeople who recall difficult events from the past that they have not overcome, experience a drop in immunoglobulin levels that lasts about six hours on average. This is one of the important factors in the immune system that fights infections and therefore, the researchers explain, these people are at increased risk of "catching" various diseases.