THE DANGERS OF BOTTLING UP EMOTIONS

Over decades, researchers have discovered significant evidence that bottling up emotions is associated with a long list of negative effects, from poorer health outcomes to less satisfying relationships.

Related: 8 Negatives of Positive Thinking

Here are just some of the ways that suppressing emotions can impact well-being:

Social consequences. A study of students published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology examined the links between suppressing emotional expression and the adaptation and social skills required for transitioning to college.

Researchers found that “suppression predicted lower social support, less closeness to others, and lower social satisfaction.” Indeed, an inability to trust others and to express emotions are often intertwined.

Mortality risk. A 12-year study surveyed the association between suppressed emotions and mortality. It considered death from all causes, as well as cardiovascular and cancer mortality.

Those with emotional suppression scores in the higher range (75th percentile) had a 35 percent greater risk for all-cause mortality than those in the 25th percentile. That number jumped to a 70 percent greater risk when examining cancer and cardiovascular disease mortality in particular.

Mental health issues. A study of men with prostate cancer, almost half of whom demonstrated signs of major depression, found that suppressing emotions was linked to anger and depression symptoms. Bottling up emotions was associated with low moods, sleep problems, and feelings of guilt among the cancer patients studied.

Different research uncovered an association between bottling up emotions and increased aggression. In this case, subjects who suppressed their reactions to disturbing film scenes displayed more aggression afterward, versus those who were allowed to show their emotions while viewing.

Finally, a study that examined adolescents between 14-19 years old found links between emotional suppression and how they responded to challenging life events. Those who bottled up their emotions were more likely to experience both suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts.

Compromised health and decision making. A 2019 study that examined repressed emotions symptoms noted many dangerous ripple effects of this habit, including:

• Physiological symptoms, including chronic pain, fatigue, and sexual dysfunction
• Immune system suppression
• Substance abuse
• Poor nutrition and/or disordered eating
• Lack of exercise
• Abnormal sleep patterns
• Poor compliance with medical interventions
• Self-destructive behaviors
• Higher stress levels

Clearly, emotional suppression consequences can be hazardous to health and relationships in numerous ways. Repressed emotions, in addition to the many effects outlined above, may also lead to angry outbursts, isolation, and feelings of numbness.

Keep in mind that bottling up your emotions doesn’t always look negative. For example, some people bottle up their emotions by restricting themselves to only positive thinking. This habit, also called “toxic positivity,” can be just as harmful, since negative emotions must be allowed expression for optimal mental health.

Human beings evolved to have a negativity bias, because staying alert and aware of potential dangers literally keeps us alive. So, while it’s harmful to remain stuck in an overly critical outlook, it’s important to acknowledge and even embrace negative emotions when they arise.

Press Play to Learn More About Negativity Bias

In this episode of the Change Your Brain Every Day podcast, Dr. Daniel Amen and Tana Amen discuss why we tend to have fear-based thoughts.

Click below to tune in:

Video: Negativity vs. Positivity Bias: Why Are We Hardwired to Be Negative?