Don't suppress your emotions, here's how sharing your feelings reduces stress, improves health

Chronic stress can result in issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, and a weakened immune system. Sharing your thoughts and feelings can help reduce stress (Image: Canva)

Do you ever say, “I’m fine,” even when you’re not? It’s easy to bottle up your emotions, thinking it’s better to keep your feelings to yourself. However, holding everything in can actually increase stress and lead to health problems. Here’s why opening up and sharing your feelings is vital for your well-being:

Reduces chronic stress: Bottling up emotions can lead to chronic stress, which negatively impacts both mental and physical health. According to the American Psychological Association, chronic stress can result in issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, and a weakened immune system. Sharing your thoughts and feelings can help reduce stress by allowing you to express and process your emotions, reducing the overall strain on your body and mind.

Improves mental health: Keeping emotions locked away can contribute to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Research says that emotional expression is linked to lower levels of depression and anxiety. By discussing your feelings with friends, family, or a therapist, you can gain support and perspective, which helps improve your mental health and emotional resilience.

Better physical health: Emotional suppression is associated with various physical health issues. Studies show that unresolved emotional stress can lead to problems like gastrointestinal issues, chronic pain, and even autoimmune disorders. Expressing your emotions openly can help fight these risks by reducing the emotional burden on your body, which supports physical health.

Strengthens relationships: When you bottle up your feelings, it can create distance and misunderstandings in relationships. Open communication encourages trust and intimacy, leading to healthier and more supportive relationships. Sharing your thoughts and emotions allows others to understand and empathise with you, strengthening your connections and creating a more supportive social network.

Solves problems: Suppressing emotions can cloud your judgment and hinder your ability to solve problems effectively. Research shows that emotional expression can enhance cognitive functions and decision-making skills. By sharing your concerns and feelings, you can gain insights and advice from others, leading to better problem-solving and more effective coping strategies.