Can’t you share your feelings? Consequences on your mental health
When a problem is bothering them, some people like to “let it go.” This avoidance strategy may seem effective in avoiding confrontation, but it often hides a deep fear of rejection or anger, inherited from a complex family or social past.
However, this habit of suppressing one’s emotions, although useful for survival during certain periods of life, can become a burden in adulthood. Its effects are felt at the psychological, physical and relational levels. But how can we recognize these impacts and, above all, how can we address them?
an internal pressure that bursts
Suppressing your emotions is like living with a pressure cooker on. One day the valve gets damaged.
Whether an outburst of anger, an impulsive reaction or destructive behavior such as excessive alcohol consumption, these moments of overflow often leave feelings of regret and reinforce the vicious cycle of repression.
a constant inner critic
People who are accustomed to internalizing their feelings often develop a critical inner voice. This self-criticism learned in childhood to avoid external judgments persists into adulthood.
This fosters a feeling of insecurity and a tendency to blame themselves for events beyond their control.
increased risk of depression or addiction
Freud defined depression as “anger against the self.” By suppressing their emotions, individuals increase their susceptibility to depression.
To compensate, some people turn to emotional triggers like food, alcohol, or drugs, which only provide temporary relief.
effects on physical health
Long-term stress resulting from internal emotions can affect the body. As told in interview by Dr. Gábor Máté psychology today ,This stress can trigger maladies like asthma, arthritis and even neurodegenerative diseases.
The connection between the psyche and the physical highlights the importance of expressing one’s emotions in maintaining one’s overall health.
emotional loneliness in relationships
People who do not express their feelings often distance themselves from those close to them.
Their partner or friends may perceive a lack of honesty or detachment, which promotes feelings of isolation. Ironically, this fear of rejection isolates them even more.
Life guided by the expectations of others
By avoiding conflict and always catering to the needs of others, these people end up not being able to live for themselves.
Over time, this disconnect between their desires and their reality can lead to deep regret, often accompanied by a sense of loss of self.