

{"id":92943,"date":"2023-12-16T17:05:05","date_gmt":"2023-12-16T17:05:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=92943"},"modified":"2023-12-16T17:05:53","modified_gmt":"2023-12-16T17:05:53","slug":"repression-psychology-example","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/mental-health\/repression-psychology-example\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Repression Psychology Examples: How It Impacts Relationships"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-92946\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2355341569.jpg\" alt=\"Couple having conflicts \" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have you ever forgotten a bad memory or pushed a painful thought to the back of your mind? That&rsquo;s called repression. It&rsquo;s like our brain&rsquo;s way of saying, &ldquo;This is too hard to think about right now.&rdquo;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While this might help us feel better at the moment, repression psychology can sometimes mess with our relationships in ways we don&rsquo;t even realize. Imagine not knowing why you&rsquo;re upset with someone, only to find out it&rsquo;s because of something you&rsquo;ve forgotten from the past!&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By looking at the examples of how repression works in our minds, we&rsquo;ll explore how these hidden feelings can shape our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/unexplainable-connection-with-someone\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">connections<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with others. It&rsquo;s like a detective story, but the mystery is inside our own heads! Let&rsquo;s understand this better.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-is-repression\"><\/span><b>What is repression?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Repression is like our brain&rsquo;s &ldquo;forget button&rdquo; for uncomfortable or painful memories and feelings. Imagine something bad happens, and instead of thinking about it all the time, your brain hides it away so you can move on. It&rsquo;s a way to protect ourselves from hurtful thoughts.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But sometimes, even if we &ldquo;forget&rdquo; these things, they can still affect our feelings and actions without us knowing. It&rsquo;s like having a toy hidden under your bed; even if you can&rsquo;t see it, it&rsquo;s still there.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Repression psychology helps us cope, but it&rsquo;s important to remember that hidden feelings can still influence us.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/unhealthy-boundaries-with-ex-wife\/\" title=\"17 Unhealthy Boundaries With Ex-Wife and How to Set Them Right\">17 Unhealthy Boundaries With Ex-Wife and How to Set Them Right<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How-does-repression-work\"><\/span><b>How does repression work?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is repression defense mechanism? Repression is our brain&rsquo;s tool for hiding painful memories or feelings. While it helps us cope, these hidden thoughts can still influence our actions and emotions, sometimes without us realizing it.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When we experience a distressing or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/mental-health\/symptoms-of-psychological-and-emotional-trauma\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">traumatic event<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, our brain immediately tries to protect us, causing repression psychology.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acting as a defense mechanism, our mind pushes this memory into the background, making it harder to recall.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consequently, we might &ldquo;forget&rdquo; or not consciously dwell on that particular event or feeling.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even though it&rsquo;s hidden, this repressed memory can still influence our daily emotions and behaviors.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Over time, certain triggers or situations might cause these memories to resurface unexpectedly.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some repressed memories remain buried for a lifetime, never coming to the forefront.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Repression can impact our relationships, as hidden feelings might cause unexplained reactions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recognizing and understanding repression can be key to emotional healing and growth.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Therapy or counseling can help individuals confront and process these repressed memories.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While repression psychology serves as a coping mechanism, it&rsquo;s essential to address its long-term effects on our well-being.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-are-the-different-types-of-repression\"><\/span><b>What are the different types of repression?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are the 8 main types of repression in psychology along with their detailed examples<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Primary repression<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Primary repression refers to the unconscious blocking of desires, feelings, or memories that are not yet part of conscious awareness. This type of repression is a fundamental mechanism in the formation of the unconscious mind.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Psychology repression example:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A person might develop an irrational fear of water without knowing it&rsquo;s because they nearly drowned as a toddler.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>2. Secondary repression<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Secondary repression deals with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/respond-not-react-to-your-thoughts-and-feelings\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">thoughts or feelings<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that were once conscious but have been pushed into the unconscious. This is often a defense mechanism to avoid painful or unacceptable thoughts. So, what is an example of repression in psychology?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Repression in psychology example: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An individual who was bullied in school might forget the specific incidents but still feel anxious in social situations.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. Denial<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Denial is a form of repression where a person refuses to accept reality or the truth of a situation. It&rsquo;s a defense mechanism that helps individuals cope with distressing events by pretending they didn&rsquo;t happen or minimizing their impact.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Denial psychology definition example:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> After a p, a person might act as if they&rsquo;re still in a relationship, refusing to acknowledge the end.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. Suppression<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While repression is unconscious, suppression is a conscious effort to hide or push away distressing thoughts, feelings, or memories. People use suppression as a temporary solution, hoping that with time, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/emotional-intimacy\/emotional-abandonment-in-marriage\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">distressing emotion <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">or memory will fade.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Repression definition psychology example:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A student might consciously choose not to think about a bad grade to focus on an upcoming exam.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>5. Reaction formation<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-92945\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2327025863.jpg\" alt=\"Loving caring man comforting woman \" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is reaction formation in psychology example? Reaction formation is a defense mechanism where a person behaves in a way opposite to their genuine feelings to hide or repress those feelings. This is often seen in cases where <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/psycnet.apa.org\/record\/1940-03481-001\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">expressing true emotion<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> might be socially unacceptable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Example:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A person who harbors hostile feelings towards a colleague might go out of their way to be overly friendly and complimentary to them.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/how-seeing-things-from-your-partners-perspective-can-boost-your-love\/\" title=\"How Seeing Things From Your Partner\u2019s Perspective Can Boost Your Love\">How Seeing Things From Your Partner\u2019s Perspective Can Boost Your Love<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h3><b>6. Intellectualization<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><div class=\"research_highlight\"><p>As explained by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/us\/basics\/intellectualization\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Psychology Today<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Intellectualization involves distancing oneself from the emotional aspect of a situation by focusing on the logical or factual components.<\/p><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By doing this, individuals can avoid confronting the emotional distress linked to the event.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Example: After a traumatic accident, a person might immerse themselves in understanding the physics of how the accident occurred, avoiding the emotional trauma associated with it.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>7. Rationalization<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rationalization is a defense mechanism where an individual creates logical but false reasons for their behaviors, decisions, or feelings. This helps them justify actions or feelings that might otherwise be unacceptable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Example:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A person who doesn&rsquo;t get a job might convince themselves they didn&rsquo;t want it anyway, citing reasons like long commute times or low pay, even if these weren&rsquo;t concerns initially.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/solutions-for-8-common-relationship-issues\/\" title=\"30 Common Relationship Problems and Solutions\">30 Common Relationship Problems and Solutions<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h3><b>8. Sublimation<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><div class=\"research_highlight\"><p>This <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/referenceworkentry\/10.1007\/978-3-319-24612-3_1430\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> defines sublimation as one of the more positive defense mechanisms. It involves redirecting unacceptable desires or impulses into socially acceptable activities.<\/p><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This transformation helps individuals channel their energy in a productive manner.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Example:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Someone with aggressive tendencies might take up a sport like boxing to express and manage their aggression in a controlled environment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is-repression-bad\"><\/span><b>Is repression bad?&nbsp;<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Repression, like other defense mechanisms, is not inherently bad. It serves the purpose of helping individuals cope with traumatic events or unacceptable feelings.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, over-reliance on repression can lead to unresolved emotional issues, which might manifest in various ways, such as anxiety, phobias, or unhealthy behaviors.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&rsquo;s essential to recognize when repression is hindering personal growth or well-being and seek appropriate therapeutic interventions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Repression-in-psychology-examples\"><\/span><b>Repression in psychology: examples<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Repression is a psychological defense mechanism where individuals unconsciously block unwanted memories, desires, or feelings. Understanding its manifestations can offer insights into human behavior. Here are some examples<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A child develops a fear of dogs but doesn&rsquo;t remember being bitten by one when they were very young.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An adult feels discomfort around a certain relative but can&rsquo;t recall the specific childhood incident that caused this feeling.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After being diagnosed with a chronic illness, a patient acts as if nothing is wrong and avoids medical treatment.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A person consciously avoids thinking about a traumatic event, like the sudden death of a loved one, to get through a public event.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Someone who feels jealousy towards a coworker constantly praises and compliments them to hide their true feelings.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After a painful divorce, an individual delves into studying statistics on marriage and divorce rates, avoiding the emotional pain.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A student who fails an exam convinces themselves that the test wasn&rsquo;t important, even though they previously spent weeks preparing.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A person with aggressive tendencies becomes a competitive athlete, channeling their aggression into the sport.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Real-life-examples-of-repression-in-psychology\"><\/span><b>Real-life examples of repression in psychology<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Repression in psychology refers to the unconscious mechanism individuals employ to protect themselves from thoughts or memories that might be too difficult or traumatic to confront directly.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This defense mechanism can manifest in various ways, often influencing behavior, decisions, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/mental-health\/emotional-repression\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">emotional responses<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> without the individual being fully aware of the underlying cause.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For instance, consider a woman named Sarah who, as a child, witnessed a severe car accident. As an adult, she might find herself feeling inexplicably anxious or panicky when hearing the sound of car brakes screeching, even if she doesn&rsquo;t consciously recall the traumatic event from her childhood.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another example is of a man named Alex, who was frequently ridiculed by his peers during his school years.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Years later, he might avoid attending reunions or feel a deep-seated discomfort in large social gatherings without a clear understanding of why he feels that way, as the painful memories of ridicule have been repressed.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How-repression-affects-our-relationship\"><\/span><b>How repression affects our relationship<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-92944\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2006035298-1.jpg\" alt=\"Wife comforting sad man \" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Repression, a psychological defense mechanism, can deeply influence our interpersonal relationships. By unconsciously blocking certain memories or feelings, it shapes our reactions, emotions, and behaviors in intimate connections.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Difficulty in expressing emotions<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the most direct ways repression affects our relationships is through the stifling of emotional expression. When individuals repress traumatic events or emotions, they often inadvertently suppress a range of other feelings.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This can make it challenging for them to articulate their needs, desires, or concerns in a relationship. Over time, this lack of emotional transparency can create a barrier between partners, leading to misunderstandings and feelings of emotional distance.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>2. Development of trust issues<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Repression can lead to unresolved emotional baggage from past experiences, especially those related to betrayal or abandonment. Even if these experiences were not directly related to romantic relationships, they could still influence an individual&rsquo;s ability to trust others.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For instance, someone who repressed memories of being betrayed by a close friend might find it challenging to trust their partner fully. This lack of trust can manifest as jealousy, the constant need for reassurance, or even invasive behaviors like snooping.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. Avoidance of intimacy<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Intimacy, both emotional and physical, requires vulnerability. If someone has repressed traumatic events or emotions, they might associate vulnerability with pain or danger.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This can lead them to avoid intimate situations, fearing that opening up might bring the repressed memories or feelings to the surface. In romantic relationships, this can lead to a lack of deep emotional connection or dissatisfaction in the physical aspects of the relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. Overreacting to triggers<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Repressed memories or emotions can resurface when triggered by specific events, words, or behaviors in a relationship.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, a person who has repressed memories of verbal abuse might overreact when their partner raises their voice, even if the context is entirely different. These unexpected and intense reactions can be confusing and hurtful for both parties, leading to conflicts and further emotional distance.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>5. Formation of unhealthy attachment styles<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Repression can influence the development of an individual&rsquo;s attachment style. For instance, someone who has repressed memories of abandonment might develop an anxious attachment style, constantly fearing that their partner will leave them.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the other hand, someone who has repressed emotions related to a past controlling relationship might develop an avoidant attachment style, valuing their independence to the point of pushing their partner away.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span><b>FAQs<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Repression is a psychological defense mechanism where individuals unconsciously block distressing memories, feelings, or desires. This mechanism, often referred to as the repression defense mechanism, serves to protect the individual from immediate emotional pain or trauma.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let&rsquo;s check some frequently asked questions about this topic.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>What are some common examples of repressed memories?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Repressed memories, a prime example of repression in psychology, often stem from traumatic or distressing events from one&rsquo;s past. Common repression psychology examples include childhood abuse, witnessing a traumatic event, or experiencing severe emotional distress.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For instance, a person might not remember a specific incident of being bullied in school but may still harbor feelings of anxiety around their peers.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>Can repression cause mental health problems?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, while the repression defense mechanism serves as a way to protect individuals from immediate emotional pain, over time, it can lead to various mental health issues.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These can include anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Repressed emotions and memories, another repression psychology example, can manifest as unexplained fears, mood swings, or even physical symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>How does repression affect physical health?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Repression doesn&rsquo;t just impact mental health; it can also have physical repercussions. Chronic repression, yet another repression psychology example, can lead to stress, which in turn can cause headaches, digestive problems, sleep disturbances, and even chronic conditions like hypertension or cardiovascular diseases.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The body&rsquo;s constant state of alertness due to unresolved emotional issues can strain its systems.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>How can I tell if my repression is causing problems in my relationships?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you notice patterns of avoidance, difficulty in expressing emotions, overreacting to specific triggers, or developing trust issues without a clear reason, it might be due to repressed memories or emotions.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For instance, an unexpected intense reaction to a partner raising their voice might be linked to repressed memories of past verbal abuse. This is yet another repression psychology example.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>What is reaction formation in psychology, and how does it relate to repression?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reaction formation is a defense mechanism where an individual behaves in a way opposite to their genuine feelings or desires to keep them hidden or repressed.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, someone who harbors hostile feelings might act overly friendly to mask those feelings. While it&rsquo;s different from repression, both are ways the mind tries to manage and protect itself from distressing emotions.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>How can I get help with repressed memories?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you suspect you have repressed memories affecting your well-being, it&rsquo;s essential to seek professional help.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A trained therapist or counselor can provide a safe environment to explore and address these memories. Techniques like talk therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and even certain types of hypnotherapy can be beneficial.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this video, you&rsquo;ll learn how to release trapped emotions and heal stress, anxiety, and trauma through the body:<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/GZw8fRPK-8k?si=VjVq4utvFlDAz5_p\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">&#65279;<\/span><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Embracing-the-repressed-emotions\"><\/span><b>Embracing the repressed emotions<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Repression is a psychological defense mechanism where individuals unconsciously block distressing memories, feelings, or desires. This mechanism serves to protect the individual from immediate emotional pain or trauma. However, while it might offer temporary relief, in the long run, it can lead to various mental and physical health issues.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false,"raw":""},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Have you ever forgotten a bad memory or pushed a painful thought to the back of your mind? That&rsquo;s called repression. It&rsquo;s like our brain&rsquo;s way of saying, &ldquo;This is too hard to think about right now.&rdquo;&nbsp; While this might help us feel better at the moment, repression psychology can sometimes mess with our relationships in ways we don&rsquo;t even realize. Imagine not knowing why you&rsquo;re upset with someone, only to find out it&rsquo;s because of something you&rsquo;ve forgotten from the past!&nbsp; By looking at the examples of how repression works in our minds, we&rsquo;ll explore how these hidden feelings <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1363,"featured_media":92946,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[93],"tags":[2721],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/92943"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1363"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=92943"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/92943\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":92947,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/92943\/revisions\/92947"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/92946"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=92943"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=92943"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=92943"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}