Autoimmune diseases disproportionately affect women, accounting for nearly 80% of cases, according to a 2020 study. This statistic, along with rising rates of anxiety, PTSD, and anorexia among women, has raised concerns about a possible link between emotional suppression and chronic health conditions. In particular, research suggests that unexpressed anger may play a critical role in the development of autoimmune diseases and other stress-related health issues in women.
A Behavioral Link to Autoimmune Diseases?
While biological factors are widely recognized as contributors to autoimmune diseases, emerging research indicates that behavior and environmental factors may also play a significant role. A 2021 study highlights the emotional challenges faced by women, including higher rates of mental health disorders. As someone living with an autoimmune disease and anxiety, I began to wonder whether a more profound factor was at play: could suppressed anger be contributing to the health crisis?
In recent years, mental health professionals, including psychologist Dana Jack, have noted a troubling pattern among women: “self-silencing,” where women suppress their emotional needs, avoid conflict, and prioritize others’ wellbeing over their own. Jack’s research links this tendency to an increased risk of depression, and more recent studies suggest it may also contribute to the development of chronic physical conditions.
A study from the University of Pittsburgh found that suppressed anger, particularly in women of color, correlated with a 70% increased risk of atherosclerosis, a condition that heightens the risk of heart disease. Could similar emotional repression be contributing to autoimmune disease?
The Impact of Suppressed Anger on Physical Health
Many women relate to the experience of suppressed anger manifesting as physical pain. Sarah, 37, from London, was diagnosed with pernicious anaemia at 21, and later, fibromyalgia at 34. She attributes her health struggles to years of emotional trauma and a persistent sense of being unheard. “The anger I felt—toward friends, family, and society—had nowhere to go,” she recalls. “It settled in my body, manifesting as pain.”
For Sarah, practices such as ecstatic dance, massage, and breathing techniques helped release some of the trapped emotion and alleviate her symptoms. “If I don’t manage my emotions, my body shuts down,” she says. “Widespread pain, fatigue, and emotional instability are all part of the cycle.”
Dilly, 29, another London resident, was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder, after experiencing a stressful year. Her diagnosis, coupled with suppressed emotions, led to worsened symptoms. “I didn’t process my feelings and it affected my health,” she explains. “Eventually, I had to adjust my medication despite previously stable levels.”
The Stress-Immune System Connection
Experts suggest that suppressed emotions, particularly anger, may disrupt the immune system, contributing to conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. Dr. Jolene Brighten, a board-certified naturopathic endocrinologist, explains that emotional suppression triggers the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to chronic stress and inflammation, which can worsen autoimmune conditions.
Health psychologist Dr. Sula Windgassen agrees that health is influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. While research on suppressed anger’s direct impact on the immune system is still evolving, Windgassen points to psychoneuroimmunology studies showing that emotional repression can undermine immune function.
The Physiological Effects of Suppression
Emotions are processed through the brain and autonomic nervous system, and while there is no specific physiological signature for emotions like anger, suppression of these feelings can strain the body. Windgassen explains that emotional suppression increases cortisol levels, which can either inhibit immune responses or over-activate them, leading to chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction.
Managing Emotions for Better Health
To prevent emotional suppression from affecting health, experts recommend developing emotional awareness through journaling, therapy, or somatic practices. Engaging in regular physical activity, mindfulness, and breathwork can help regulate the nervous system and reduce the negative impact of suppressed anger.
Dr. Brighten also emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and cultivating supportive relationships. “Expressing anger constructively can help reduce stress-related risks and support immune function,” she concludes.
As research continues to explore the connection between emotional suppression and autoimmune diseases, it is clear that women’s health may benefit from a more holistic approach that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of wellbeing.
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