Suppressed anger is a normal, healthy human emotion that can be helpful or harmful. When it is channeled in a healthy way, it can motivate us to reach goals and handle emergencies. When it is suppressed, however, it can have a negative impact on our physical and mental health.

People who suppress their anger often feel numb and lethargic. They may experience chronic fatigue, loss of interest in work or hobbies, and an underlying sadness that they don’t recognize or identify as depression. If you notice these signs in yourself, it’s important to seek professional help. A therapist can help you uncover the root causes of your suppressed anger and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Highly sensitive people are particularly prone to repressed anger. This can occur due to their personality traits, heightened empathy, or childhood experiences. Often, they don’t know how to deal with their anger healthily, and they are surprised when others tell them that they are angry.

Unearthing the Silent Storm: The Consequences of Suppressed Anger

When someone has repressed anger, it is often stored in the adrenal glands as cortisol and adrenaline. These chemicals trigger the body’s fight or flight response, which redirects blood from the intestines to the muscles. Over time, this can lead to a variety of disorders including high blood pressure, heart disease, and anxiety.

People with repressed anger often keep themselves busy to avoid thinking about their feelings. They may become addicted to alcohol, drugs, food or exercise in order to numb their emotions. They might also develop sarcastic or critical behavior, which is a form of passive-aggressive anger. If the repressed anger is intense enough, it can cause severe physical symptoms such as stomach pain or back pain.