Why Suppressing Your Feelings is Making You Sick (And What To Do Instead)

The Hidden Costs of Ignoring Your Emotions—and the Path to Healing

For generations, we've been told to 'tough it out,' 'keep a stiff upper lip,' or 'don't let them see you sweat.' But what if this advice is not only outdated, but dangerous? Marc Brackett’s 'Permission to Feel' reveals that suppressing emotions doesn’t make us stronger—it makes us sicker. Chronic stress, anxiety, heart disease, and even immune disorders have all been linked to unexpressed emotions. When we ignore our feelings, we ignore the body’s early warning system, and the cost is paid in physical and mental health.

Neuroscientists have found that bottling up emotions increases activity in the brain’s stress centers, leading to higher levels of cortisol and inflammation. Over time, this can erode our resilience, make us more vulnerable to illness, and sap our energy and motivation. The stories in 'Permission to Feel' are filled with people who suffered in silence—students who acted out, adults who burned out—until they learned to name and share their feelings. The turning point always comes when someone gives themselves permission to feel, to speak, and to be heard.

The path to healing begins with acknowledgment. Instead of pushing feelings aside, Brackett urges us to pause, check in, and name what we’re experiencing. This simple act can lower stress, boost immunity, and open the door to deeper relationships. Emotional self-care is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Techniques like journaling, mindfulness, and emotion check-ins are proven to reduce anxiety and improve well-being.

If you find yourself struggling with unexplained fatigue, headaches, or a sense of emptiness, consider this: your body might be asking you to listen to your feelings. By embracing your emotions, you’re not just healing your mind—you’re healing your whole self.

The next time you feel the urge to hide your sadness or swallow your anger, remember: Every emotion has a message. Listening is the first step to health and happiness.