How Suppressed Emotions from Childhood Can Affect Us as Adults
By Gunja Maurya (Therapist)
Childhood is a time when we learn many things about life, including how to deal with our emotions. But sometimes, children are not given enough space to express what they feel. They may hear things like, “Don’t cry,” “Why are you getting angry?” or “Just stay quiet.” After hearing these things again and again, a child may start keeping their feelings to themselves.
As they grow older, those feelings may show up in different ways. Some people get angry very quickly, even over small things. Some find it difficult to talk about what is bothering them. Others may keep everything inside and act like they are fine, even when they are not.
Sometimes, we react strongly to something without really knowing why. A small comment from someone, being ignored, or even a simple disagreement can make us feel much more hurt or angry than we expected. It may not always be about that particular moment. Sometimes, it can bring back feelings that we experienced when we were younger but never had the chance to express.
These emotions can also affect relationships. A person may find it difficult to trust others, may constantly worry about being left alone, or may try too hard to keep everyone happy. Some people become so used to putting others first that they forget to ask themselves what they actually need.
But childhood experiences do not have to control our whole life. Understanding where our feelings come from can help us respond differently. We can slowly learn that it is okay to talk about our emotions, to set boundaries, and to take care of ourselves.
Sometimes, understanding ourselves starts with a simple question: “Why did this affect me so much?” The answer may help us understand not only what we are feeling today, but also what we may have been carrying since childhood.
