What's the connection between suppressing anger and autoimmune disease?

There is a long-held belief that suppressed emotions can contribute to physical illnesses. A study from the University of Pittsburgh shows that women who suppress their anger may be at an increased risk of heart disease. Other studies have shown that stress is a trigger for the development of autoimmune diseases. 

Experts like Dr. Jolene Brighten believe that there is a connection between suppressed emotions and autoimmune disease: 

"Suppressing emotions, particularly anger, has been linked to increased stress, dysregulated immune function, and chronic inflammation, which may contribute to the development or worsening of autoimmune diseases."

Dr. Brighten points to research showing that emotional repression can lead to prolonged activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which can result in immune system dysfunction and worsen conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.

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Dr. Sula Windgassen, a health psychologist and therapist, offers additional insights into the body's response by explaining that it's not the emotions themselves that are harmful, but "how we respond to them that can put strain on the body." Suppressing emotions can lead to an increased secretion of cortisol, the stress hormone, which can disrupt immune function. Dr. Windgassen cautions, however, that research is evolving in this field. Although there is fairly compelling evidence showing that emotional suppression can impact immune function, there aren't enough studies examining suppressed anger and its effects on immunity.

Nevertheless, many patients believe their autoimmune diseases or worsened symptoms can be traced to "self-silencing" and suppressed anger. Sarah, 37, was diagnosed with pernicious anemia and later with fibromyalgia. She believes that the anger and frustration she felt navigating her diagnosis and diseases "had nowhere to go" and settled in her "body, manifesting as pain." Similarly, Dilly, 29, believes that her symptoms of Hashimoto's thyroiditis worsened after a particularly stressful year, when her physician's dismissive attitude led her to suppress her own anxiety and emotions surrounding her diagnosis.

While research in this field is still evolving, it's clear that how we regulate our emotions can impact our immune health and overall physical well-being. Our health is shaped not only by biological factors, but also by psychological, social, and environmental influences. A holistic approach that incorporates mindfulness and emotional balance may be beneficial in managing autoimmune diseases.

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