Repression is a psychological defense mechanism that involves pushing unwanted or unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or memories into the unconscious mind. The concept of repression was first introduced by Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, and has since been studied and expanded upon by numerous psychologists and mental health professionals.
At its core, repression is a way of dealing with uncomfortable or painful experiences that an individual may not be ready or able to face. When a person experiences trauma or experiences negative emotions, their mind may attempt to push those experiences away in order to protect them from the pain and discomfort associated with them.
Repression can occur at any age, and it can be triggered by a variety of factors. Childhood trauma, for example, is a common cause of repression, as children may not have the tools or support to cope with difficult experiences. Additionally, people who experience ongoing stress or anxiety may also repress their emotions in order to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
While repression may seem like a useful coping mechanism in the short term, it can have negative long-term effects on mental health. Repressed emotions can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, as well as physical symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, and chronic pain.
In entertainment, we see repression shown in movies such as Black Swan and Butterfly Effect. Also it can be seen in anime such as Perfect Blue, and Paranoia Agent. It may seem as suppression or repression is not a big deal. But, the ways in which it can take over your life can culminate like a virus.
It is important to note that repression is not the same as suppression, which involves consciously choosing to push unwanted thoughts or feelings aside. Repression is an unconscious process that occurs without a person’s awareness, while suppression is a conscious decision to avoid certain thoughts or feelings.
There are several signs that a person may be repressing their emotions. They may avoid discussing certain topics or experiences, have difficulty accessing memories from their past, or experience unexplained physical symptoms. Therapy can be an effective way to address repression and work through the underlying emotional issues. While it may provide short-term relief, repression can have negative long-term effects on mental and physical health. It is important to recognize the signs of repression and seek help in order to address underlying emotional issues and promote overall wellbeing.
