Suppress Apr 2026

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.g., "I am feeling very angry right now") even if you can't express it publicly . suppress

What Is Suppression? covers the paradoxical effects of forcing thoughts away . Use it to get through a high-stakes moment,

A 2023 University of Cambridge study found that training people to suppress fearful thoughts actually reduced their anxiety and improved mental health . covers the paradoxical effects of forcing thoughts away

Traditionally, suppression was thought to be universally maladaptive due to the "rebound effect"—the idea that the more you try to ignore a thought (like a "white bear"), the more frequently it returns . However, perspective is shifting:

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

This is an unconscious defense mechanism where the mind automatically blocks out traumatic memories so you aren't even aware they exist . 3. When Suppression is "Healthy"