Are you someone who describes yourself as private, keeps things to yourself, or doesn’t talk about feelings?

Here are some ways that keeping everything inside without expressing or talking about them can actually do harm.

2. Long-term physical health consequences

There is evidence that repressed emotions, the ones where you have gotten so good at hiding and ignoring that you completely disconnect from them, can impact your health. Our emotions are tied to the various systems of our bodies, they’re not separate; think digestive, nervous, immune.

When we have intense emotions that persist and we are unable to effectively process them, it takes a toll on our bodies.

3. Increased risk for developing depression and anxiety

Similar to above, avoiding emotions doesn’t make the emotion go away. Along with physical health consequences, suppressing feelings can manifest into depression or anxiety. If you don’t cope with your painful feelings, your body will find other ways to do something with it.

7. Frustration for others who might try to start “mind-reading” because they see you’re distressed

Over time when others are in a relationship with you they may make adjustments in order meet your needs. This is putting emotional labour on the other person that is not healthy. Sometimes we do these things though because we want our relationships to survive.

You might see others trying to “mind-read” by guessing what you need and how they should respond. They try to sense your mood or decipher what you say to guess right. They’ve had to adjust and do this because they never get the true or full story of what’s going on.

Is ‘keeping things in’ really a problem?

It’s important to read this and evaluate when there’s harm. I say this because you might read and believe you are simply “private” or take time to trust others. Keepings things to yourself more than others is perfectly fine. Keeping things in doesn't work though when it’s so consistent and persistent that:

• Even after time spent in a relationship, like years for some people, you are still keeping things in

• Your privacy extends to thoughts, feelings, and overall communication that are critical for a healthy relationship.

• You don’t talk about your feelings or get emotional ever, and don’t have ways you intentionally process painful stuff

Citation

Elsig, C. M. (2022, January 24). The dangers of suppressing emotions. The CALDA Clinic. Retrieved November 23, 2022, from https://caldaclinic.com/dangers-of-suppressing-emotions/

Disclaimer: This is general advice. Like all self-help information, it is not personal and tailored to fit for all people and situations. This content should not be taken as a substitute for individual mental health or relationship support.