Experiencing the full range of emotions is a natural part of being human. However, sometimes we tend to avoid dealing with negative emotions that cause discomfort such as anger, sadness, envy, hopelessness, and fear. When we avoid these negative feelings and push them to the side, this is known as suppression. 

Over time, if too many negative emotions are suppressed, this can lead to depression or other mental health problems. Positive emotional health means facing our emotions head-on and processing these feelings of discomfort. If these stay trapped in the mind & body, it can increase stress, depression, and even lead to chronic disease. 

Understanding the link between suppressing your emotions and depression is beneficial to your long-term mental & physical health. 

Understanding Depression

Depression is a serious mental health disorder that impacts thoughts, feelings, behavior, and mood. People with other mental health problems such as trauma, anxiety, or bipolar may also struggle with symptoms of depression. When untreated, it can wreak havoc on our physical and mental health. Major depression has been linked to increased rates of substance abuse, suicide, and chronic health problems. 

Several causes can lead to depression including genetics, family history of depression, trauma, living in an unstable home environment, and experiencing poverty. Another cause of depression that is sometimes overlooked is the suppression of emotions. 

Signs of Depression

Sometimes we think depression is only “feeling sad”. Although depression can cause low mood, there are other ways in which it affects our health. Warning signs include:  

• Isolation and social withdrawal 
• Changes in sleep/appetite 
• Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
• Irritability or aggression 
• Emotional numbness 
• Feelings of guilt, shame, or worthlessness 
• Physical aches and pains  

What Are Suppressed Emotions? 

Although it’s natural for people to carry around some sort of emotional baggage, when heavy emotions go too long without being processed, this can lead to several mental or physical health problems. Suppressed emotions are when you consciously push uncomfortable thoughts or feelings to the side. This is done both consciously and unconsciously. 

Emotional suppression may be avoidance of the emotions or “shutting down”, where someone disassociates (eg. scrolling on Instagram or watching TV until the emotion passes). People who experience trauma or struggle with mental health problems may be at an increased risk of suppressing their emotions to avoid the discomfort that comes along with processing them. 

Suppressing emotions may cause one to feel numb, heavy, or disconnected from the people around them. Holding in emotions can cause a buildup of stress, increase moodiness or anxiety, and even impact one’s self-esteem. 

Some emotions such as those related to trauma can even put the nervous system in fight or flight mode, causing inflammation in the body that leads to chronic health diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart problems, and autoimmune disorders. 

Signs of Emotional Suppression

Emotional suppression is not always easy to recognize in yourself or a loved one. Many people try to hide this out of fear, shame, or embarrassment. Some of the signs of emotional suppression include: 

• Memory loss
• Lack of motivation
• Irritability or aggression
• Problems with digestion
• Muscle tension or joint pain
• Headaches
• Trouble focusing 
• Inability to sleep
• Weight gain or loss 

Suppressing Emotions and Depression 

Avoiding negative emotions does not just make them “go away”. They build up over time and can manifest as more serious behavioral problems, aggression, mental health symptoms, and even chronic pain. 

It’s natural to become depressed if you are constantly repressing your emotions. When you don’t allow yourself to “feel your feelings”, they build up in the body like a ticking time bomb. When we suppress negative emotions, we also suppress positive ones, increasing the risk of depression. 

How to Release Trapped Emotions 

Many people do not realize they are bottling up emotions. If you struggle with relationships or dealing with negative feelings, this could be a sign. Processing and releasing stored emotions can improve your physical, mental, and spirtual health. 

Some strategies to release trapped emotions include:  

• Say what you are feeling in the moment 
• Use “I” statements (eg. I feel angry) 
• Utilize healthy conflict-resolution skills 
• Yoga
• Dance
• Tai-Chi
• Journaling
• Meditation

If you are struggling with processing & releasing emotions on your own consider reaching out for professional mental health support. Several evidence-based therapies exist to help patients safely work through distressing emotions. These may include EMDR, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Dance & Movement Therapy, or Art & Music Therapy. 

Improving Mental Health Wellness in Utah 

Maple Mountain is a mental health treatment facility that helps patients move forward on their mental wellness journey. Our compassionate team understands the challenge of how suppressed emotions can lead to depression. 

We provide evidence-based therapies, medication management, and holistic treatments to support healing the mind, body, and spirit.  Speak with one of our team members today to find out more about how our personalized treatment plans can help. 

Sources

Depression and Substance Use Disorder. American Addiction Centers. 

Muennig P. Emotion suppression and mortality risk over a 12-year follow-up.

Monoamine Neurotransmitters Control Basic Emotions and Affect Major Depressive Disorders. National Library of Medicine.