Over the course of our lives, many of us learn to suppress or hold back our anger for a variety of reasons. We may have been raised to believe that anger is a negative or unwanted emotion, or we may have experienced negative consequences for expressing anger in the past. Regardless of the reason, repressed anger can become an emotional burden that manifests itself through physical symptoms.

Insomnia, a common problem that many people face, can be related to repressed anger or sadness. When we don’t express our anger or sadness in a constructive way, it can cause anxiety and tension that interfere with our ability to relax and sleep soundly. In addition, repressed anger can cause chronic stress, which can also contribute to insomnia.

Another example of a psychosomatic problem associated with repressed anger is Crohn’s disease. Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. Although these are physical symptoms, research has shown that psychological stress, including repressed anger, can be a trigger for worsening symptoms. Repressed anger can cause chronic stress on the body, which can trigger and worsen inflammatory processes in the intestines.

Ulcerative colitis is another inflammatory bowel disease that may be related to our topic. Although the causes of ulcerative colitis are multifactorial, emotional stress, including repressed anger, can have a significant impact on the course of the disease. Studies have shown that emotional stress can activate inflammatory processes in the intestines and worsen the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Expressing anger in a constructive way can help reduce stress and improve control over the symptoms of this disease.

In addition to insomnia, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis, repressed anger can also contribute to other psychosomatic problems. For example, hypertension, or high blood pressure, can be related to emotional stress, and repressed anger or sadness can be some of the causes of that stress. When we repress anger, the body remains under constant pressure, which can lead to high blood pressure and long-term cardiovascular problems.

Repressed anger or sadness can also have a negative impact on the immune system. The emotional stress that results from repressed anger can weaken the body’s immune response, making us more susceptible to infections and diseases. Long-term exposure to stress can trigger chronic inflammation in the body, which can be linked to the development of autoimmune diseases.

It is important to note that each individual may react differently to repressed anger and sadness, and that each person has their own unique psychosomatic reactions. However, understanding the connection between repressed anger and psychosomatic problems can be key to improving physical and emotional well-being.

How to deal with repressed anger and reduce psychosomatic problems?

The first step is to become aware of your anger and understand that anger is a normal and natural emotion. It is important to allow yourself to express your anger in a constructive way, rather than suppressing it. This can include talking to loved ones, journaling, or engaging in a physical activity that helps you release pent-up energy, such as dancing or martial arts training.

It is also helpful to learn stress management techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing, and relaxation exercises. These techniques can help reduce tension and release built-up stress in the body.

In some cases, seeking professional help from a psychotherapist or counselor may be helpful in processing and releasing repressed anger. Psychotherapy can provide a safe space to explore and understand the deeper needs and causes of repressed anger, and provide tools for expressing it in a healthy and constructive way. A psychotherapist can support the process of releasing emotional baggage and developing anger management strategies.

Understanding the connection between suppressed anger or sadness and these problems can help us become aware of our emotions and needs and find healthy ways to express our anger. By opening the space to express anger and sadness and learning stress management techniques, we can improve our physical and emotional well-being.