Suppress May 2026

Acknowledge the feeling privately (e.g., "I am feeling very angry right now") even if you can't express it publicly .

Overuse of suppression can lead to "blunted reward responsivity," where you lose the ability to feel positive emotions as well as negative ones . It is also linked to physical stress symptoms like high blood pressure and tension headaches . 2. Suppression vs. Repression suppress

Use it to get through a high-stakes moment, but set aside time later to actually process the emotion through journaling or therapy . Helpful Resources for Deep Dives Acknowledge the feeling privately (e

A 2023 University of Cambridge study found that training people to suppress fearful thoughts actually reduced their anxiety and improved mental health . Helpful Resources for Deep Dives A 2023 University

These terms are often confused, but the key difference is :

In psychology, is the conscious and voluntary act of pushing unwanted thoughts or emotions out of your awareness . While often viewed as a harmful way to "bottle things up," recent research and clinical practice suggest its effectiveness depends heavily on how and when it is used. 1. The Conflict: Is Suppression Good or Bad?