Repress Vs. Suppress: How The Unconscious Mind Affects Our Mental Health

Suppression and repression are psychological defense mechanisms that help the mind manage unwanted thoughts, emotions, and memories. While the terms suppression and repression are sometimes used interchangeably, they each refer to a different way of managing uncomfortable emotions. In this article, we’ll explore the difference between suppression and repression, and how these defense mechanisms can impact our mental and physical well-being.

Understanding repression vs. suppression

When approaching the topic of suppression vs. repression, it may be helpful to understand the term “defense mechanism” as it applies to psychology. Originally proposed by Sigmund Freud, defense mechanisms were later analyzed and defined by Anna Freud as "unconscious resources used by the ego to decrease internal stress.” 

Repressing and suppressing feelings and emotions generally involve the use of an unconscious defense mechanism. Each of these defense mechanisms can affect the mind differently. 

Repression typically involves the unconscious exclusion of stress-inducing thoughts or memories from our conscious awareness. This defense mechanism usually operates at an automatic and involuntary level, meaning the individual is normally unaware of the content being repressed.

In contrast, suppression can be seen as a conscious effort to deliberately avoid unwanted thoughts or emotions. While both repression and suppression typically aim to protect an individual from psychological stress, repression tends to have more significant consequences on mental health.
Repressed content often resurfaces through various means, such as dreams or psychosomatic symptoms, and can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and intense psychological stress in the long run. 

The effects of repression and suppression on mental health

The dangers of both suppression and repression as defense mechanisms can involve a number of distinct effects on mental health and well-being. Prolonged emotional repression can contribute to a variety of challenges, such as chronic stress, anxiety, and depression.

While repression may provide temporary relief from emotional pain, it often results in the stressful material resurfacing in indirect ways.
These findings indicate that both repression and suppression can have detrimental effects on mental health. They may also highlight the importance of finding emotional management mechanisms to address underlying challenges in healthy ways. 

Healing from repression and suppression

Though Sigmund Freud believed that lifting repression was the key to recovery, this notion generally lacks support from research. In contrast, some experts argue that bringing repressed material into conscious awareness can serve as an initial catalyst for personal transformation. 

Though understanding repressed or suppressed emotions may be helpful, it may not be enough to heal from the associated challenges. Still, it may serve as a positive first step in achieving an improved mental state. 

By facilitating meaningful conversations, therapy can often be instrumental in creating the type of safe environment required for addressing and healing from a multitude of the negative effects associated with repressed memories and emotions.

For many individuals, online therapy offers a flexible and affordable option for accessing specialized guidance. It can often be difficult to open up to a stranger face-to-face, especially when discussing potentially vulnerable topics such as repressed or suppressed memories. Attending therapy sessions with a licensed mental health professional from the comfort of one’s home can make it easier to discuss challenging subjects.

While there is currently no research on the effectiveness of online therapy for suppression and repression, research does show that online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy for managing symptoms of various mental health conditions. An analysis of 64 studies shows that internet-delivered therapy is equally effective as in-person therapy for managing depression and anxiety disorders.

Wellness activities that complement talk therapy for suppressed and repressed emotions

While seeking guidance from a therapist or mental health professional can be beneficial, you can take additional steps to begin confronting repression and suppression. 

1. Identify and accept the emotions you've suppressed or repressed and allow yourself to feel them without judgment or guilt.
2. Understand that it can be natural to have suppressed or repressed feelings and that healing usually takes time. Be kind and gentle with yourself as you explore and process your emotions. 
3. Write down your thoughts and feelings in a journal to release suppressed emotions and gain clarity on your experiences.
4. Engage in mindfulness practices or meditation to develop an awareness of your emotions in the present moment. 
5. Take part in physical activities like exercise, dancing, or weightlifting. 
6. Prioritize self-care activities that bring you joy and help you relax. Take breaks when needed and give yourself permission to heal at your own pace.

Overall, healing from suppressed and repressed emotions can be a journey that requires time, effort, self-compassion, and understanding.