Liberating Yourself from Suppressed Emotions
- Gail Vilcu
- Apr 22
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 23
We must prioritize acknowledging and processing the emotions within ourselves. This transformative experience enables us to liberate ourselves from a self-imposed prison. But what are suppressed emotions, and how do they manifest?

What are Suppressed Emotions?
Suppressed emotions are unprocessed feelings that arise from the experiences we see, hear, or feel. Initially, these experiences are processed in the brain. When the brain is unable to fully process an experience, it may push it aside to be dealt with at a later time. Often, that "later" never comes, and these unprocessed experiences are relegated to the deeper recesses of the brain. These unprocessed experiences can become stored in the central nervous system as trapped emotions. Instead of processing them healthily, we essentially store them within our bodies. This can happen for various reasons, sometimes beginning as early as birth.
From the moment we enter the world, we are exposed to a barrage of stimuli, and not all of it is positive. As infants and children, we may not have the cognitive development or emotional regulation skills to fully process complex or overwhelming experiences. We learn to adapt to our environment, and sometimes that means suppressing feelings to maintain a sense of safety or connection with our caregivers.
For example:
A child who cries and is ignored may learn to suppress their sadness.
A child who expresses anger and is punished may learn to suppress their rage.
A child who witnesses conflict and feels helpless may suppress their fear.
These early experiences can create a template for how we deal with emotions throughout our lives. If we learn that certain emotions are "unacceptable" or "unsafe," we may continue to suppress them, leading to a buildup of trapped energy within our system.
Childhood Programming:
Childhood programming plays a significant role in how we learn to handle our emotions. We absorb messages from our families, our communities, and our culture about what is "okay" to feel and what is not. These messages can become deeply ingrained in our subconscious, shaping our emotional patterns and influencing our behavior without us even realizing it.
Here are some examples:
"Don't cry." This message can teach children that sadness is a sign of weakness and should be avoided.
"Big boys/girls don't get angry." This can lead to the suppression of anger, which can manifest in other ways, such as passive-aggression or physical tension.
"Don't be a burden." This can cause children to suppress their needs and emotions to avoid feeling like they are too much for others.
"You should be grateful." This can invalidate a child's negative emotions, making them feel guilty for feeling anything other than gratitude.
The Impact of Lack of Boundaries and Discipline on Emotional Programming
In addition to the examples above, a lack of boundaries or inconsistent discipline can also significantly contribute to emotional programming. Children thrive in environments where they feel safe and secure, and this security is often established through clear and consistent boundaries. Without these boundaries, or with harsh or unpredictable discipline, a child's emotional development can be negatively affected, leading to unhealthy coping mechanisms and suppressed emotions.
Lack of Boundaries: When children lack clear boundaries, they may feel unsafe or confused, leading to anxiety and fear. They may also learn that their emotions are not important or that their needs will not be met, leading to suppression of those emotions.
Inconsistent Discipline: Erratic or unpredictable discipline can create a sense of instability and fear in a child. They may become overly focused on trying to please their caregivers, leading them to suppress their own emotions and needs in order to avoid punishment or disapproval.
Permissive Parenting: While well-intentioned, a lack of discipline can lead to a child who doesn't understand the natural consequences of their actions. This can result in difficulties regulating emotions, leading to acting out or internalizing feelings of anger, frustration, or sadness.
Harsh or Authoritarian Parenting: This style of parenting, characterized by strict rules and punishment, can lead children to suppress emotions like fear, anger, and sadness, as these emotions may be seen as weaknesses and met with further punishment.
Trapped Emotions and Their Physical Ailments
When emotions are suppressed, they don't simply disappear. They become trapped within the body's energy field, where they can disrupt the flow of vital energy and contribute to a variety of physical, emotional, and mental health problems.
Trapped Emotions can manifest in numerous ways, including:
Pain: Headaches, migraines, back pain, joint pain, and other chronic pain conditions.
Digestive Issues: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, and other digestive problems.
Fatigue: Chronic fatigue syndrome and low energy levels.
Skin Problems: Eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions.
Mental Health Issues: Anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and other mood disorders.
Cardiovascular Issues: High blood pressure
Musculoskeletal Issues: Fibromyalgia, chronic muscle tension, back pain, and other musculoskeletal issues.,
It's important to note that while trapped emotions can contribute to these issues, they are not always the sole cause. However, addressing trapped emotions can often be a crucial piece of the healing puzzle.
Ways to Release Trapped Emotions
Fortunately, there are many effective ways to release trapped emotions and promote healing and well-being.
Here are a few:
Emotional Awareness: The first step is to become aware of your emotions. Pay attention to what you are feeling, without judgment. Allow yourself to feel your emotions fully, even if they are uncomfortable.
Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices can help you to connect with your inner world and become more aware of your emotional patterns. They can also help you to develop greater emotional regulation skills.
Journaling: Writing about your emotions can be a powerful way to process them. Allow yourself to express your feelings freely, without censoring yourself.
Talk Therapy: Working with a therapist can provide you with a safe and supportive space to explore your emotions and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Movement and Exercise: Physical activity can help to release pent-up energy and emotions. Dance, yoga, walking, and other forms of movement can be particularly beneficial.
Energy Healing Modalities:
Emotion Code: This technique, developed by Dr. Bradley Nelson, involves identifying and releasing trapped emotions using muscle testing and focused intention. It works on the principle that emotions are energy and that trapped emotional energy can be released to promote physical and emotional healing.
Spinal Flow: This gentle yet powerful technique works with the spine to release blockages and promote the flow of energy throughout the body. By releasing tension in the spine, Spinal Flow can help to facilitate the release of trapped emotions and restore balance to the nervous system.
By acknowledging, processing, and releasing trapped emotions, we can free ourselves from the self-imposed prison of suppressed feelings and step into a life of greater authenticity, vitality, and well-being.
Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
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