Suppression: Defense mechanisms by Sigmund Freud

 

Suppression is the voluntary form of repression proposed by Sigmund Freud in 1892. It is the conscious process of pushing unwanted, anxiety-provoking thoughts, memories, emotions, fantasies and desires out of awareness. Suppression is more amenable to controlled experiments than is repression, the unconscious process of excluding painful memories, thoughts and impulses from consciousness.

 

Suppression is a defense mechanism that operates unconsciously and involves intentionally pushing distressing thoughts, feelings, or memories out of one's awareness. It is a way of consciously avoiding or blocking out information that may be uncomfortable or emotionally challenging.

Here are some key points about suppression as a defense mechanism:

1.       Purpose: The purpose of suppression is to protect oneself from experiencing overwhelming emotions, anxiety, or distress associated with certain thoughts or memories. By pushing these thoughts or feelings out of conscious awareness, individuals attempt to maintain a sense of psychological equilibrium.

2.       Conscious Effort: Unlike repression, which operates at an unconscious level, suppression involves a conscious effort to intentionally avoid or ignore unwanted thoughts or emotions. Individuals actively choose not to think about or acknowledge certain aspects of their experience. Suppression and repression are both defense mechanisms that serve to protect individuals from uncomfortable or distressing thoughts, feelings, or memories. While they share similarities, there are distinct differences between the two:

·         Conscious vs. Unconscious: Suppression is a conscious defense mechanism. It involves a deliberate, voluntary effort to push unwanted thoughts or emotions out of awareness. In contrast, repression operates at an unconscious level. It involves the automatic and involuntary exclusion of distressing thoughts, memories, or impulses from conscious awareness.

·         Temporary vs. Long-Term: Suppression offers temporary relief from distressing thoughts or emotions. It allows individuals to consciously avoid or set aside unwanted information for a period of time. Repression, on the other hand, is a long-term defense mechanism. Repressed thoughts or memories are actively kept out of conscious awareness over an extended period.

·         Effort and Awareness: Suppression requires active effort and awareness to push away unwanted thoughts or emotions. It involves a conscious choice to avoid or ignore certain aspects of one's experience. In contrast, repression occurs unconsciously. The individual is often unaware of the repressed material and may have limited access to it without therapeutic intervention.

·         Accessible vs. Inaccessible: Suppressed thoughts or emotions remain accessible to conscious awareness, albeit intentionally ignored or avoided. Individuals can consciously choose to bring them back into awareness when desired. Repressed thoughts or memories, however, are typically inaccessible without specific triggers or therapeutic exploration. They are effectively kept hidden from conscious recall.

·         Voluntary vs. Involuntary: Suppression is a voluntary process wherein individuals actively decide to avoid or ignore certain thoughts or emotions. It can be initiated and ceased consciously. Repression, on the other hand, is involuntary and automatic. It occurs as a protective mechanism to shield the individual from distressing or threatening material.

·         Psychological Impact: Suppression may provide temporary relief from distress, but the underlying thoughts or emotions may still influence behavior and well-being. Overusing suppression can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and difficulties in emotional expression. Repression, due to its unconscious nature, can have profound psychological effects. Repressed material may resurface in indirect ways, potentially causing emotional and behavioral disturbances.

3.       Limited Effectiveness: While suppression can temporarily alleviate discomfort, it does not resolve the underlying issues or address the root causes of the distress. Unresolved emotions and thoughts may resurface in other ways, such as through dreams, physical symptoms, or unintended behavioral patterns.

4.       Potential Consequences: Prolonged or excessive use of suppression as a defense mechanism may have negative consequences. It can lead to increased stress, heightened anxiety, and difficulties in emotional expression or interpersonal relationships. The suppressed thoughts and emotions may also manifest indirectly through somatic symptoms or psychological disorders. Here are some potential drawbacks:

·         Emotional Build-up: Suppressing emotions prevents their healthy expression and processing. Over time, unaddressed emotions can accumulate and intensify, leading to increased psychological distress. The suppressed emotions may resurface later, causing emotional volatility or even triggering a breakdown.

·         Impact on Mental Health: Continuous suppression can contribute to the development or exacerbation of mental health issues. It may lead to anxiety, depression, or mood disorders as unresolved emotions take a toll on overall well-being. Suppression can also hinder the healing process in cases of trauma or grief.

·         Interpersonal Difficulties: Suppressing emotions can hinder authentic communication and emotional connection with others. It may make it challenging to express needs, concerns, or boundaries effectively, leading to misunderstandings, strained relationships, and isolation.

·         Physical Symptoms: Chronic suppression of emotions can manifest in physical symptoms. Stress-related conditions such as headaches, digestive problems, muscle tension, or sleep disturbances may arise due to the body's response to unaddressed emotional stressors.

·         Self-Awareness and Growth: Suppression limits self-awareness and personal growth. By avoiding uncomfortable thoughts and emotions, individuals miss opportunities for introspection, understanding their needs, and making meaningful changes in their lives.

·         Reduced Coping Skills: Relying solely on suppression hinders the development of healthy coping skills. Without learning alternative strategies to manage emotions effectively, individuals may struggle to adapt and handle future challenges in a constructive manner.

·         Impact on Relationships: Suppressing emotions can strain relationships, as it prevents open and honest communication. The lack of emotional expression and vulnerability may create barriers between individuals, leading to misunderstandings, distance, or difficulty in resolving conflicts.

5.       Examples of applying suppression as emotional defense:

·         Loss of a Loved One: After the death of a loved one, an individual may consciously suppress their grief and emotions surrounding the loss in order to maintain composure and continue with their daily responsibilities. They may avoid talking or thinking about the deceased person and push away feelings of sadness to focus on other tasks.

·         Traumatic Events: Following a traumatic experience, someone may suppress the memories and emotions associated with the event as a way to protect themselves from overwhelming distress. They may actively avoid discussing or thinking about the event and try to keep themselves occupied with other activities to keep their mind off it.

·         Relationship Issues: In a troubled relationship, an individual might suppress their negative emotions, such as anger or resentment, towards their partner. They may consciously choose not to address or express their feelings, avoiding confrontations or conflicts to maintain harmony in the relationship.

·         Work-related Stress: When faced with significant work-related stress, a person may suppress their feelings of frustration, exhaustion, or overwhelm. They may consciously push these emotions aside to maintain focus and productivity, not allowing themselves to acknowledge or express the stress they are experiencing.

·         Personal Insecurities: Someone with deep-rooted insecurities may suppress those feelings and thoughts to protect their self-esteem. They may consciously avoid situations that trigger their insecurities or push away negative self-perceptions, pretending that everything is fine and projecting a more confident image to others.

·         Painful Memories: Individuals who have experienced past trauma or abuse may engage in suppression as a way to cope with the distressing memories. They may actively try to block out or forget the traumatic events, avoiding reminders or triggers that could bring those memories to the surface.

6. Healthy Coping Alternatives: It's essential to understand that defense mechanisms like suppression are natural responses to challenging or overwhelming emotions. While suppression can provide temporary relief, it is not a healthy long-term coping mechanism. If you find yourself consistently relying on suppression and it negatively affects your well-being or relationships, it may be helpful to seek professional support from a therapist or counselor who can assist you in exploring healthier coping strategies. Instead of relying on suppression as a defense mechanism, there are healthier alternatives to effectively manage and cope with challenging emotions. Here are some examples:

·         Emotional Awareness: Develop self-awareness by acknowledging and identifying your emotions. Pay attention to what you're feeling and explore the underlying reasons behind those emotions. This self-reflection can help you understand and address your emotional needs more effectively.

·         Emotional Expression: Find healthy outlets for expressing your emotions. This can include talking to a trusted friend or family member, journaling, engaging in creative activities such as art or music, or participating in physical activities like exercise or sports. Expressing emotions in constructive ways allows for release and can promote a sense of emotional well-being.

·         Mindfulness and Meditation: Practice mindfulness techniques and meditation to cultivate present-moment awareness and acceptance of your emotions. Mindfulness helps you observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment, allowing you to experience them fully and let them pass without suppressing or getting overwhelmed by them.

·         Therapy or Counseling: Seek professional support from a therapist or counselor. They can provide a safe and non-judgmental space for you to explore your emotions, learn healthy coping strategies, and gain insights into underlying patterns or triggers. Therapy can help you develop healthier ways of managing and processing emotions.

·         Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities that nurture your well-being. Engage in activities that bring you joy, relaxation, and rejuvenation. This can include practicing self-care rituals, engaging in hobbies, spending time in nature, or engaging in activities that promote self-reflection and personal growth.

·         Support Network: Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, or support groups. Having a strong support system can provide you with a safe space to share your emotions, seek advice, or receive comfort during challenging times. Connecting with others who can empathize and offer support can be invaluable.

·         Cognitive Restructuring: Challenge and reframe negative or distressing thoughts. Replace negative self-talk with more positive and realistic thinking patterns. Cognitive restructuring involves recognizing and changing unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to emotional distress.