Suppress vs. repress: Understanding the key differences

Suppression and repression are two psychological constructs that are believed to cause a loss of connection to uncomfortable memories. People typically view these as useful coping mechanisms that can temporarily shield us from painful thoughts or feelings related to past events. But in some cases, disconnecting from memories can negatively impact your mental health and well-being. 

If you’re concerned that repressed or suppressed thoughts or feelings might be affecting your life in the present, know that you’re not alone. Learning more about these concepts can help you better understand your experiences and get the support you need.

What is suppression?

Suppression is a method of consciously disconnecting oneself from upsetting thoughts or feelings.  It can happen by intentionally redirecting your thoughts, by focusing on a distraction, or by “numbing out.” 

As you might imagine, there can be times when it might be helpful to suppress certain thoughts or emotions. For example,  imagine getting into an argument with your roommate on the way out the door. When you arrive at work, you’re still upset, but you know you need to put your anger aside and focus on getting things done. 

Or imagine that your best friend gives you the news that they’re moving overseas for an incredible job opportunity. You feel devastated that they’re moving so far away. But you might temporarily suppress your sadness so that your emotions don’t overshadow your friend’s excitement. 

These two examples show us that occasionally suppressing your thoughts or feelings isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. It’s something that we all do once in a while for different reasons. But it’s worth noting that suppressing your feelings all the time could lead to problems with emotional regulation. Being frequently disconnected from your inner experiences could negatively affect your mental health, relationships, and quality of life.

What is repression? 

Repression is believed to take place  when people unconsciously and unintentionally forget or ignore painful or uncomfortable memories. It is often framed as a coping mechanism and the brain’s way of protecting us from unwanted thoughts, feelings, or impulses.

 For example, perhaps you witnessed a violent crime against a loved one at a very young age. If, as an adult, you have a sense of unease about your past but can’t recall the specifics of the event, some people might say that you’ve repressed the memory of the tragedy. 

However, the concept of repression has a controversial past, and today, many experts believe that it does not exist. Debates over the scientific validity of repression began in the “memory wars” of the 1990s and sparked confusion throughout the psychological community. 

Today, memory experts assert that our memories aren’t set in stone and they can be easily manipulated. But sadly, despite the lack of credible evidence, the myth of repression persists in many professional settings. 

Key differences between suppression and repression 

There are a few key differences between suppression and repression. First, suppression is a conscious process, while repression was believed to happen involuntarily, at an unconscious level. 

But perhaps more importantly, suppression is a proven psychological construct. Research has shown that with the right support, people can access and attend to uncomfortable suppressed memories. This is unlike repression, which is seen as controversial or nonexistent by many mental health professionals. 

How do suppression and repression impact mental health?

Exposure to traumatic events can significantly impact your memory, and having difficulty recalling past events or experiences can negatively affect your relationships, sense of self, and ability to function in daily life. 

Without adequate support, it can be difficult to process traumatic events and make sense of these experiences.  But suppressing difficult memories may lead to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental and physical health problems.

How can a therapist help if you’re experiencing suppression or repression?

We all carry unsettling or uncomfortable memories that we sometimes push aside. They might bring up emotions that feel unmanageable in the moment, and that’s OK. But if you’re having trouble accessing memories and it’s negatively impacting your life, talking to a therapist can help you uncover the reasons why. They can also help you learn healthy coping strategies for managing uncomfortable emotions related to past events. 

However, be wary of any mental health professional who suggests that you have repressed memories that you have absolutely no memory of. This could do very real harm and seriously compromise the outcomes of care. Instead, therapists can help you manage the effects of trauma using science-backed treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and more.

Find care with Rula

There are some important distinctions between the concepts of suppression and repression. Suppression can be a helpful means of temporarily managing unwanted thoughts and feelings. But it can lead to problems if you rely on it too much. Repression, on the other hand, is the largely debunked idea that we unconsciously disconnect from memories of traumatic events. 

If you’re struggling to recall past events and it’s negatively affecting your life in any way, know that help is available. A therapist can help you process trauma and learn new ways of managing uncomfortable emotions related to past experiences.

With Rula, you’ll have access to a therapist-matching platform that can help you find a provider who takes your insurance and can help you meet your mental health goals. Plus, we work with more than 9,000 providers, so we can help you find someone who can meet with you from the comfort of your home as early as this week.

Find a therapist with Rula