Do you have the habit of stamping out feelings of anger before you can express them? Experts say this might be unhealthy in the long run. Let’s explore why and what you can do to stop repressing your emotions.
You always hear about how it’s healthier not to bottle things up, but then society throws a curveball by often shaming people who lose control of their emotions. With so many confusing contradictions, it may seem easier to just tuck your anger away and try to forget about it, but mental health experts like Mission Connection say that can lead to health problems - and not just of the mental variety.
But if you can’t break the habit of suppressing your anger, don’t worry; there are some things you can do to help yourself. And if it’s begun to become a chronic issue, there are experts who can also guide you towards some effective treatment options.
Anger suppression, also known as anger repression, is a normal part of daily living and can be beneficial in certain settings. For example, an individual who is capable of suppressing their anger is less likely to experience uncontrollable emotional outbursts or engage in acts of physical or verbal aggression.
However, continuous anger suppression is unhealthy, and it can lead to physical, mental, and behavioral issues if not addressed.
Emotional symptoms of suppressed anger include feelings of resentment, constant irritability, and persistent low moods, which can make the individual more prone to depression. Anger repression may also manifest as behavioral changes, such as passive-aggressiveness, social withdrawal, and conflict avoidance.
But this can do more than affect the way you think, feel, and act. Research has suggested that individuals with such issues may experience physical symptoms like tension headaches, muscle pain, and fatigue. It puts a lot of strain on your body to continuously repress your emotions, after all.
There are many factors that can prompt anger suppression, but childhood trauma, certain personality traits, and family environment are some of the most common causes.
It does start young, and maybe you can trace it back to your upbringing or some psychological factors. But if the behavior continues over the long term, you may eventually develop hypertension, digestive issues, and chronic stress; you may also notice greater emotional distance in relationships due to frequent communication breakdowns and mistrust.
None of these things is any good, which is why experts say that you should get some professional care if chronic anger repression is something you struggle with.
Luckily, that care is easy to find. For example, Mission Connection says that evidence-based therapies can benefit an individual with suppressed anger issues. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a modality often used by mental health professionals, as it focuses on identifying and changing harmful thought patterns that contribute to emotional repression. Patients receiving treatment may also be taught anger expression and mindfulness techniques that can help them healthily release their pent-up emotions.
Beyond therapy, journaling and activities such as yoga are effective for many individuals who struggle with anger repression. These can be practiced outside of treatment, making them useful tools for long-term recovery. They won’t work for everyone, of course, but it’s always worth a shot, right?
Want more information on anger suppression? Mission Connection knows a lot about it since it’s one of the many emotional issues they can treat, so feel free to visit their website to check out their resources.
