We are often told that showing emotions makes us weak. We are told to toughen up and hide our feelings. We are called irrational when expressing our emotions passionately. We are given uncomfortable looks when we cry in public. No one cries in public. “It is awkward,” that is what we are told. Expressing your emotions in front of others seems to give off a weird vibe – no one wants to deal with that. This is what we are taught. This is what we are taught from when we are little kids, to when we age. And this is a problem that really needs to be dealt with.
Emotional Experience with Women
Emotional suppression happens to everyone, but for specificity purposes, I wanted to zoom in on women and their experiences with emotional suppression. Women are emotionally suppressed in the sense that they are socially conditioned to act in a certain way to be able to fit in certain roles they vie for, whether it is a job post, education, or even a relationship. In a certain job, too much assertiveness will make us “bossy”, extra passion will make us “too emotional and unable to handle a job” – we simply cannot win. Even within households, it is a taboo to express your emotions – especially sadness – due to the risk of being called weak. Excessive emotions are correlated with weakness, and as a result, many no longer feel comfortable expressing themselves.
Emotional Suppression Effects on Mental Health
This is very inhibiting and is negatively impactful on the mental health of women. To literally be taught to not overexpress yourself and to keep a front up at all times in order for us not to be misunderstood or judged is emotionally exhausting. It is also detrimental to your mental health. Suppressing so much of what you feel can lead to depressive symptoms, as studies show. Suppressing one’s anger may lead to fury.
Emotional suppression is, quite frankly, counteractive and ends up doing more harm than good. It is good to feel every once in a while. In fact, it is good to feel every day. You are not weak if you cry in front of others. You are not irrational if you express passion about an idea. You are not bossy if you speak your opinion.