Day Twenty-Four: How does repressed anger show up in your behavior or body?
When it comes to repressed anger, I’ve experienced firsthand how it manifests in my body and behavior. Behaviorally, it can show up in passive-aggression, such as sarcasm, backhanded compliments, or defiance. I also avoid confrontation and suppress my emotions, resulting in tension and resentment building up in my body. Like many other emotions, anger eventually finds its way out—like steam from a kettle. This can look like outbursts of irritability or frustration with minor issues.
Repressed anger also takes a toll physically. Chronic muscle tension, headaches, and digestive issues are common symptoms. It can also weaken the immune system, increase blood pressure, and elevate stress levels.
How does repressed anger show up in your body?
After being in my second no-fault car accident within weeks of one another, I was returning from the hospital, my head pounding with pain, carrying in my hands all the items salvaged from my wrecked car and a coffee I had been eagerly anticipating. My body was already tense with the stress of the situation, and the throbbing ache in my head seemed to intensify with each step.
As I approached the porch where my daughter and parents were waiting for me, I could feel the tension mounting within me. My muscles were tight, my jaw clenched, and my hands shaking slightly from the adrenaline coursing through my veins. Despite my efforts to maintain composure, I could sense the simmering anger bubbling beneath the surface.
Then, as if to add insult to injury, the coffee slipped, falling to the ground. It was the final straw. In a sudden burst of rage, I screamed, yelled, and cried, unleashing all the pent-up frustration and helplessness I had been carrying inside. I threw every item in my arms to the ground with aggression; I knew what it meant to see red.
But even before this explosive outburst, my body had sent me warning signals. I had been experiencing persistent headaches, tightness and tension throughout my body, and an overall sense of restlessness and agitation. These physical manifestations of anger had been building up gradually, like a pressure cooker ready to explode.
So, when I ask you what anger feels like in your body, this is why. Our bodies tell us things that sometimes our minds yearn to ignore or push aside. Our body, though, doesn’t operate that way. It is best buds with our emotions and intuition and speaks up for them when we try to muffle or silence them.
Always,
Your Trusted Friend 💀
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