The Art of Avoiding Feeling Emotions

There are multiple reasons why we tend to suppress or stuff our emotions.  Unfortunately, in our society we are told that it is weak to be emotional.  We are told that showing emotion is demonstrating a lack of control.  These ideas or beliefs cause us to spend a lot of energy avoiding feeling our emotions and keeping them suppressed.

Stuffing or suppressing our emotions leads to them becoming trapped emotions.  Once trapped we now carry emotional baggage that can lead to a lot of problems within the body physically and emotionally.  Long-term it can cause serious illnesses.

Ways In Which We Avoid Feeling Our Emotions

Many are the ways we manipulate ourselves so that we don't have to face ourselves.  Here are some of them.

  • Blaming Someone Else  “You made me angry.”
  • Compulsive Behaviors - (There is quite a list of these possibilities)
  • Pretending Nothing Happened
  • Talking About Anything Except For Our Feelings
  • Disconnecting - Talking About or Analyzing Our Feelings, but Never Truly Feeling Them
  • Addictive Behaviors - Excessive Drinking, Excessive Drug Use (Both Recreational and Prescription)
  • Any Activity in Excess That Distracts From the Issue at Hand (Reading, Sports, Work, Etc.)
  • Joking Around to Cover up Feelings of Insecurity or Fear
  • Busyness - So You Don't Have Time to Think or Feel

Why Emotion Avoidance?

Why are we so set on emotion avoidance?  What is going on subconsciously that puts the above behaviors into action?  Again, the answers are quite varied, but the bottom-most underlying reason is Fear!

Fear of:

  • Appearing Weak
  • Feeling Weak
  • Appearing as Unable to Control One's Self
  • Getting Out of Control
  • Being Ridiculed or Shamed
  • Appearing Vulnerable
  • Feeling Vulnerable
  • Getting Hurt
  • Getting Too Close in a Relationship
  • Feeling Misunderstood
  • Feeling Rejected
  • Feeling Not Good Enough
  • Upsetting Someone Else
  • Negative Repercussions From the One We are Speaking With


It is rather paradoxical that sharing an emotion appropriately, rather than showing weakness, is in reality showing strength and courage.  It shows a comfortableness with one's self and a trust in others to accept what is expressed in a supportive and caring manner. 

The Good News

The good news is.......   even though we have all this emotional baggage - We Can Do Something About It!  It does not have to remain there. 

What to Do

What to do?  Good question!  If you have explored this website at all then you are aware of some possibilities.  If not, read on.

  • Choice:  Get learning how to release things on your own through the self-healing techniques encouraged on this site. 

There is no time like the present!




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Types of Addictions

Addictions Help

Understanding Addictions

Emotional Healing Techniques



Disclaimer:  The information provided here is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as diagnosis, treatment or prescription for any disease.  The decision to use, or not to use, any of this information is the sole responsibility of the reader. Please consult with a licensed health care practitioner if you are dealing with a serious disease or illness.


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