Researchers say gossip stems from an evolutionary system for survival. Our ape ancestors forged social ties through the ritual of grooming. But as social groups got too large, that ritual was replaced by gossip, or “vocal grooming.”

And as studies have found, strong social ties ward off depression and other physical ailments. Besides, if there was some kind of attack, groups could count on their social allies to help out. That can still hold true in today’s workplace jungle.

But while some gossip helps us forge social ties and relieve our anxieties, harmful gossip accomplishes nothing but hostility — even among your so-called gossip buddies. Side effects of destructive gossip include hostility, cynicism, and social isolation — the very things that cause depression and lead to other ailments. So put a lid on toxic gossip by cutting down the number of people with whom you gossip and bowing out of gossip sessions.