The Hidden Health Crisis: Does Suppressed Anger Fuel Autoimmune Diseases in Women?

Recent research reveals a staggering statistic: autoimmune diseases primarily affect women, making up nearly 80% of all cases in 2020. This alarming trend, coupled with increased rates of anxiety, PTSD, and eating disorders among women, raises crucial questions about the interplay between emotions and physical health.

A striking observation was highlighted in a viral TikTok video that suggested suppressed anger could be a significant contributor to these health challenges. Many women, conditioned from a young age to be nurturing and agreeable, often struggle to express anger properly. This suppression could lead not only to emotional distress but also manifest in physical ailments.

In the late 1980s, psychologist Dana Jack uncovered a troubling pattern: many of her female patients engaged in "self-silencing," prioritizing others' feelings over their own and avoiding conflict. This behavior was linked to a higher risk of depression, and more recent studies, such as one from the University of Pittsburgh, indicate that women of color who suppress their anger face a 70% increased risk of atherosclerosis, significantly raising their chances of heart disease.

Sarah, a Londoner diagnosed with pernicious anemia at 21, experienced fibromyalgia by age 34 after a series of traumatic events. She describes feeling unheard, leading to an overwhelming internal struggle where her bottled anger manifested as chronic pain. By applying various techniques such as ecstatic dance and diaphragmatic breathing, she found a path to not only process her emotions but also alleviate her physical symptoms.

Similarly, Dilly, a medical student diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, noticed her autoimmune condition worsened under extreme stress. The lack of proactive emotional processing amplified her physical symptoms, raising doubts about her treatment and medication adherence.

Experts in the field, like Dr. Jolene Brighten, a certified naturopathic endocrinologist, emphasize a direct connection between unprocessed emotions, particularly anger, and compromised immune function. When emotions are suppressed, they can cause chronic inflammation and dysregulation of the immune system, exacerbating conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

Dr. Sula Windgassen, a health psychologist, adds that health is a result of intertwined biological, psychological, and social factors. Current research provides evidence that emotional suppression leads to significant physiological repercussions, including hormonal imbalances and immune dysfunction.

The response of the body to suppressed emotions can be detrimental. Suppression activates stress responses, leading to high cortisol levels, which can harm immune functioning and trigger inflammation. The stakes are high; as we ignore our emotions, we risk long-term health consequences.

So, what steps can women take to mitigate this emotional suppression? Dr. Brighten proposes developing emotional awareness through methods like journaling and therapy. Engaging in physical activities, practicing mindfulness, and fostering supportive relationships can help women express themselves more effectively and reduce the physiological impact of repressed emotions.

Both Sarah and Dilly's personal experiences reflect the growing body of evidence suggesting unprocessed emotions significantly contribute to chronic health issues. Acknowledging and embracing feelings, especially anger, might just unlock a healthier future for women grappling with autoimmune diseases and related disorders. It's a call to action: reclaim your voice and prioritize emotional well-being for a better, healthier life!