Suppress May 2026

Traditionally, suppression was thought to be universally maladaptive due to the "rebound effect"—the idea that the more you try to ignore a thought (like a "white bear"), the more frequently it returns . However, perspective is shifting:

Use it to get through a high-stakes moment, but set aside time later to actually process the emotion through journaling or therapy . Helpful Resources for Deep Dives suppress

A 2023 University of Cambridge study found that training people to suppress fearful thoughts actually reduced their anxiety and improved mental health . These terms are often confused, but the key

These terms are often confused, but the key difference is : These terms are often confused

How to Regulate Emotions Without Suppressing Them offers research-backed alternatives like cognitive reappraisal .

Overuse of suppression can lead to "blunted reward responsivity," where you lose the ability to feel positive emotions as well as negative ones . It is also linked to physical stress symptoms like high blood pressure and tension headaches . 2. Suppression vs. Repression

You know you are upset but choose to ignore it to focus on a task, like staying calm during a presentation .