CONSEQUENCES OF REPRESSED EMOTIONS
Repressed emotions are those emotions that you avoid. Suppression can help only as a short-term solution. It will be better if you make sure to address those emotions sooner rather than later. On the other hand, repressed emotions do not get a chance to be analyzed and processed. But that does not mean they will never come to the surface. Instead, they may show several psychological or physical symptoms.
Adults with repressed feelings often feel disconnected from their emotions may be because they had different childhood experiences. If expressing emotions as a kid led to unpleasant outcomes, they probably learned that it was much safer to avoid even confronting them. As adults, they continue to ignore strong and reasonable emotions without even realizing what they are doing. People keep repressing strong emotions, especially those that cause discomfort or other painful experiences. Most commonly repressed emotions may include anger, frustration, sadness, fear, embarrassment, and disappointment.
CONSEQUENCES OF REPRESSED EMOTIONS
Repressed emotions may show up as physical signs and symptoms such as muscle tension and pain, nausea, digestive problems, appetite changes, fatigue, and sleep problems. Unresolved anger issues if not dealt with at early stages may show up as health issues such as hypertension, digestive issues, and also into cardiovascular issues. People who repress their emotions have a lot of trouble understanding their emotional experiences.
They may
- go blank or feel numb for no particular reason
- feel nervous, low, or stressed most of the time, even if they are not sure why
- tend to forget little things
- experience discomfort when other people talk about emotions and feelings
- feel cheerful and calm all the time because they never let their thoughts linger on anything upsetting
- feel irritated or distressed when someone asks them about their emotions
Emotional repression can affect the ability to:
- talk about things that matter
- to build intimate relationships
- to understand how other people feel
- love and appreciate own self
Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is an approach that has many advantages for the repression of emotions. EFT emphasizes expressing emotionally as one of the most important components of personal experience and the ability to relate to others. According to the theory of EFT, people who find it hard time access and understand their feelings may also struggle to enjoy their relationships with others. This approach is mostly used in counseling couples, but it can also help in working through childhood trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
If you do not want to go ahead with therapy, you may also try to
- TALK TO THE PERSON YOU LOVE AND TRUST THE MOST ABOUT YOUR FEELINGS.
- USE STATEMENTS THAT INCLUDE “I” IN THEM.
- FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE.
- STOP JUDGING YOURSELF FOR HAVING EMOTIONS AND EMBRACE THEM.
- START A JOURNAL ABOUT YOUR FEELINGS.
