I agree, I think the negativity that was present at the time had a lot to do with my initial nervous breakdown and subsequent admission to hospital (doesn't help that I take things very literally, so metaphors or just general grumping can seem like stark reality). Things have improved but it's been a long road regarding rebuilding my self confidence and overall outlook.

The poem 'Desiderata' which I think was written in the 1920's covers this quite well in the line 'avoid loud and aggressive people, they are vexatious to the spirit'.