What is the long-term risk of suppressing negative emotions instead of addressing them?

The long-term risk of suppressing negative emotions instead of addressing them is a significantly increased likelihood of developing various mental and physical health problems, along with impaired interpersonal relationships. Emotional suppression involves consciously inhibiting the outward expression of emotions, while not necessarily addressing the underlying causes of those emotions. This can manifest as avoiding certain topics, pretending to be happy when feeling sad, or bottling up anger. While short-term suppression might seem like a way to maintain composure in certain situations, consistently suppressing negative emotions has detrimental long-term consequences. Firstly, it can lead to increased stress and anxiety. Suppressing emotions requires significant cognitive effort, which can deplete mental resources and increase overall stress levels. This chronic stress can, in turn, contribute to a higher risk of developing anxiety disorders and depression. Secondly, it can impair physical health. Studies have shown a correlation between emotional suppression and increased risk of cardiovascular disease, weakened immune function, and chronic pain. The physiological stress response associated with suppressing emotions can negatively impact various bodily systems. Thirdly, it can damage interpersonal relationships. Suppressing emotions can make it difficult to connect with others authentically and can lead to misunderstandings and resentment. For example, consistently avoiding conflict or withholding feelings from a partner can erode trust and intimacy over time. Therefore, while occasional emotional regulation is necessary, habitually suppressing negative emotions instead of addressing them poses significant long-term risks to both mental and physical well-being, as well as interpersonal relationships.