Why teens might bottle up their emotions

Alyce Galea, Psychologist

Emotions such as fear, anger, grief and many others can negatively affect us long after the original event that caused them.

When our body fails to “let go” of these emotions we can find ourselves with unexplained hatred, self-sabotaging behaviours, destructive beliefs, phobias and many chronic physical problems. 

Why Do People Bottle Up Their Emotions? 

• They are unable to fight back in an argument situation  
• ​They think that if they show their emotions it is a sign of weakness. 
• They believe it is not normal to be feeling a certain way, so try to conceal their emotions from others. 
• ​They are afraid of what other people might think. 
• They feel that they have to deal with their emotions or problems on their own because "no one else will understand". 
• ​They feel they have to be "the rock" for others. 

What Happens When You Pent Up Your Emotions 

• You can become crabby to be around & start snapping at other people for no reason. 
• ​You get to a stage where you have bottled up your emotions to the point you "explode" - often the victims are loved ones, friends.  
• You start feeling low and numb and don't know how to get out of the situation. 
• ​You can start to feel physically unwell  

 
Ways to release bottled up emotions 

• Write: keeping a diary is a great tool to “vent” and put all your feelings onto paper 
• Music: write a song or simply listen to music that helps calm you

• Talk to someone: open up to a friend, relative, teacher that you trust 
• Get active: find a sport or activity that you can do to release tension. 
• Cry: Don’t be afraid to cry once in a while. It’s a healthy ritual! 

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