Why Do I Have Repressed Emotions and How to Release Them
Repressed emotions occur when a set of thoughts or situations triggers a specific emotion that you consciously or unconsciously try to avoid.
For example, if your doctor recommends “improving your diet” because you’re starting to have weight issues,and suddenly you see a soda and think, “Yum,” your subconscious may already know the harm it could cause, but you avoid thinking about it at all costs.
This could be a repressed emotion in this case, you might be repressing the guilt associated with drinking that soda. Today, we’ll talk about repressed emotions: why they happen, what to do about them and what could happen if you do nothing.
What Causes Repressed Emotions?
Repressing emotions is often linked to how we experienced life as children. However, at any age, new traumas can develop, causing your subconscious to protect you by creating new repressed emotions.
How to Detect If You Have Repressed Emotions
There are clear signs of emotional repression. Some typical consequences include:
Migraines or constant headaches.
Stomach or digestive problems (like when you hold back something you wanted to say and your stomach burns).
Anxiety attacks.
Lowered immune defenses, making you more prone to illness.
Stiffness, tension, and general discomfort, especially when facing the repressed emotion.
Low mood, insomnia, overthinking.
Keep in mind that everyone experiences repressed emotions differently, so other symptoms may appear in your case.
What Can Happen If I Repress Emotions My Whole Life?
The longer you repress emotions, the harder it becomes to stop. Repressed emotions can cause both physical and mental discomfort, as mentioned above.
Ultimately, everyone lives life their own way, but you may end up stressed and exhausted from the thoughts you can’t control. These effects can appear in the stomach, skin or liver.
For example, when I repress my emotions, I feel a sharp pain in my stomach, as if my body is saying something I shouldn’t or can’t express.
After a while, the pain and burning appear out of nowhere, without any trigger. Interestingly, expressing these emotions makes the physical symptoms disappear.
It’s fascinating how the mind can affect our physical state almost like an illness that comes from within.
How to Release Repressed Emotions
Now let’s get to the most important part: how to stop carrying these uncomfortable emotions that aren’t really yours.
Here are some key points, but first, a real life example of someone releasing their repressed emotions:
Let’s call him “John.”
John’s girlfriend cheated on him three times and he forgave her all three times. However, he felt frustrated about what happened.
He went to therapy, where they uncovered childhood experiences and explored why he accepted his partner despite what happened. Therapy helped him understand why he is the way he is.
His best option was to end the relationship. It was hard and painful, but after three months, he felt much better and completely moved on.
Before starting a new relationship, John needed to learn to love himself. He went to the gym, ate healthily, learned guitar, and even started a new job he could pursue thanks to his renewed focus and energy.
His ex had drained him, treated him poorly, and exploited his kindness. When confronted, she would say, “I didn’t mean to,” using crocodile tears to convince him to stay.
Now, John is a new man. He worked through his trauma in therapy and engaged in various activities to release his repressed emotions (examples will follow later). This allowed him to restore his mental health.
Cure Your Repressed Emotions by Knowing Yourself
When we let something overshadow us, repress emotions or hurt us, it usually reflects low self esteem and not fighting for what we deserve.
For example, imagine having a boss who treats you badly, making you want to confront them. Not doing so creates repressed emotions inside.
What can you do?
Go to therapy to understand that people don’t hurt you personally sometimes, people just hurt.
Find a way to express your feelings, like writing a letter and burning it.
Exercise. It’s an excellent way to release emotions. The benefits are clear, and you probably already know them. Simply moving your body is powerful.
Life Lessons from Repressed Emotions
Sometimes, life is like a movie. All good movies need context, characters and challenges. Life is our movie and we face tests that require strength and resilience.
The longer you ignore your repressed emotions, the bigger they grow. Taking the time to reflect on what’s happening inside you helps prevent resentment and inner conflict.
Breathing - A Simple but Powerful Tool
One of the most effective ways to release repressed emotions is to focus on your breath.
Not just regular breathing take time to feel your breath. There’s a guided exercise on YouTube called “Wim Hof Guided Breathing Exercise” that can help tremendously.
Activities to Release Repressed Emotions
Here are several ways to safely release your emotions:
Walk alone in nature – clears your mind, reduces tension and releases happiness hormones.
Paint, dance, sing – art is expression beyond words.
Play video games (in moderation) – provides happiness, well being and relaxation.
Cook – distracts your mind while creating something rewarding.
Meditate – helps you process your emotions and gain perspective.
Exercise or play sports – adrenaline and physical activity help release emotional tension.
When Should You Consider Therapy?
Almost everyone represses emotions at some point. Therapy is an excellent tool to help guide you through understanding and releasing them.
No matter what, make an effort to stop repressing your emotions. Feel them, love yourself and remember you deserve it.
If you want to share your thoughts, there’s a comment box below. Have a great day!
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