Does it feel like there are dozens of emotions inside you, just bursting to get out? Do your feelings sometimes overwhelm you, to the point where you feel numb? If so, you may be emotionally constipated. In this article, you'll learn what emotional constipation is, common side effects that can come from building up feelings without release, common reasons you may be disregarding your emotions, and some empathetic ways to practice self-compassion and treat emotional constipation. Keep reading to better understand the dangers of emotional constipation and how to find catharsis.
Things You Should Know
- Emotional constipation refers to a build-up of unexpressed feelings that causes negative physical and mental side effects.
- Common symptoms of emotional constipation include emotional numbness, headaches, stomach aches, isolation, and anxiety.
- The best way to treat emotional constipation is to allow yourself to feel your repressed feelings. Talk to a therapist, journal, or just let out a good cry.
Steps
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Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about becoming emotionally healthy, check out our in-depth interview with Catherine Boswell, PhD .
References
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/liking-the-child-you-love/202107/3-signs-your-adult-child-is-emotionally-constipated
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2408884/
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/health/signs-someone-is-emotionally-numb#causes-of-emotional-numbness
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355167
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/symptoms-causes/syc-20350961
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/stop-emotional-outburst#how-to-deal
- ↑ https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/gastrointestinal-articles/stress-and-stomach-pain-when-should-you-see-a-specialist
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/binge-eating-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353627
- ↑ ​​ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9580444/
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/restless-legs-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20377168
- ↑ https://lesley.edu/article/the-psychology-of-emotional-and-cognitive-empathy
- ↑ https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/05/ce-corner-isolation
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/feeling-okay-about-feeling-bad-is-good-for-your-mental-health-2017091412398
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/anxiety-another-name-for-pain/202112/you-have-to-feel-to-heal-emotional-awareness
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/your-mind-your-body/201201/10-ways-enhance-your-emotional-intelligence
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11982540/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30908108/
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/lib/the-health-benefits-of-journaling
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/in-therapy/201201/how-cry-in-therapy
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6201288/
- ↑ https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2010-01928-003.html
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/the-shrink-tank/201103/five-tips-how-talk-about-yourself-in-therapy
- ↑ https://www.spiritualityhealth.com/articles/2021/04/19/letter-writing-burn-ritual