We’ve all been there—feeling overwhelmed, sad, or stressed. What do most of us do in response? More often than not, the instinct is to push those feelings down, hoping they’ll disappear. But what happens when you suppress your emotions? Understanding this can make a huge difference between helping yourself or unintentionally causing harm. I’ll also share practical tips to help you begin healing emotionally.
What Does It Mean to Suppress Emotions?
Suppressing emotions means intentionally or unconsciously pushing feelings aside rather than dealing with them. I like to explain it to my clients with a simple visual: think of it like putting a lid on a pot. Eventually, the pressure builds, and something has to give. Unlike healthy emotional management, emotional suppression involves ignoring or denying what you’re truly feeling. We were designed to have emotions.
Why Do We Suppress Emotions?
There are countless reasons we might repress feelings. Maybe we’ve learned that showing vulnerability is a sign of weakness. Sometimes it’s a survival mechanism from past trauma, or it could simply be a habit we’ve picked up. We might believe that by avoiding our emotions, they won’t impact us—but that’s not how it works.
The Science of Suppressing Emotions
Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, an expert on trauma, explains what happens to the brain and body when we suppress emotions. When we suppress or repress emotions, our brain’s limbic system—the emotional center—can get overwhelmed, leading to chronic stress, anxiety, or depression. Our brains can get “stuck,” making it hard to manage emotions in a healthy way.
Peter Levine, a trauma expert, adds that suppressed emotions get trapped in our bodies, often leading to chronic pain or tension. Emotions are like energy that needs an outlet; if they’re not released, they build up in the body, affecting our physical health.
The Impact of Suppressing Emotions on Mental Health
Ignoring emotions over time takes a toll on mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, anger, and a feeling of emotional disconnection. It’s like carrying an emotional burden that grows heavier each day. This weight can impact self-esteem and strain relationships, sometimes making you feel isolated or suffocated, even though you may be surrounded by those who truly care about you.
Research shows that unresolved trauma and emotional suppression can result in serious mental health challenges, including dissociation or a feeling of disconnection from life. Studies also link unresolved trauma with conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other significant mental health concerns.
How Suppressing Emotions Affects Physical Health
When emotions are suppressed, physical symptoms often follow. Chronic pain, digestive problems, or a weakened immune system can all be signs that your body is holding onto stress. Your body essentially “talks” to you, signaling that unresolved emotional stress needs to be released.
Studies show that emotional stress is stored in the body. If you’ve suppressed your emotions or experienced trauma, you might notice tension in your muscles or ongoing pain. Addressing these physical symptoms through body-centered therapies can be a key part of healing.
Practical Ways to Heal Suppressed Emotions
- Develop Emotional Awareness
- Express Your Emotions in Healthy Ways
Try Somatic Practices
Build a Support System
Moving Forward: The Path to Healing and Emotional Wellness
Suppressing emotions can have significant impacts on both mental and physical health, but by taking steps to heal, you can improve your overall well-being. Developing emotional awareness, finding healthy outlets, and incorporating somatic practices all contribute to a well-rounded recovery process.
Don’t forget that building emotional resilience and increasing emotional intelligence can help you manage your feelings better in the long run.
Emotional Health Strategies for Daily Life
To continue building emotional wellness, integrate practices like mindfulness, physical activity, healthy eating, and strong social connections into your routine. These habits will help you stay in tune with your emotions and manage them in healthy ways.
It’s never too late to begin your journey toward emotional health. I’ve seen people in their 70s and 80s start this work and find transformative healing. Approach this journey with compassion, knowing support is available every step of the way.
Additional Resources
Helpful Books
- “The Body Keeps the Score” by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk
- “Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma” by Peter Levine
Finding Professional Help
- Look for spiritually and emotionally safe therapists or coaches who specialize in trauma and somatic therapies. If there’s no one available in person nearby, don’t hesitate to explore virtual sessions. Ask plenty of questions to make sure you’re a good fit with them. You deserve to find someone who can truly guide you in a safe space.
Online Resources
- Explore spiritually and emotionally safe websites and support groups that focus on emotional health and trauma recovery.
Taking that first step toward addressing your suppressed emotions can be incredibly transformative. Embrace this journey with patience and lots of self compassion. Remember, you’re never alone, and there are many resources available to support you along the way. 💛
