(((TAS)))

Not sure but I think they are very similar. I do think supression is more conscious, a more mature defense mechanism where repression is more unconscious, maybe even dissociative?

How are you TAS? How is it going with T?

Hello TAS,

I think about this question a lot. As I understand them, suppression and repression are both coping mechanisms used to avoid expressing or experiencing certain thoughts or feelings. Suppression is a conscious choice we make to, for example, set aside something we are aware of because we are in the middle of dealing with something more pressing. We choose when to return to the "issue." This can become a habitual action to a problem we wish to avoid dealing with. Repression, on the other hand, is an unconscious action by our brain to protect itself from something too disruptive to our psychological health. The thought or feeling may come into conscious awareness but can be denied. I liken repression to dissociation as Liese mentioned, but am not sure if that is technically accurate.

How does one work around it to get to what lies beneath? Good question, and one I have been pondering as I deal with a lot of repressed memories. My personal experience with repression is that feelings, thoughts and emotions seem to pop out of nowhere when triggered by events that have some similarity to their original existence. I try to be aware of what triggers them. These experiences are part of my complex PTSD diagnosis. I feel like the queen of denial because feelings, thoughts, and emotions connected to childhood trauma try to become conscious but they quickly slither away when I deny them. It is my understanding that these may or may not become conscious and part of my autobiographical memory. I am unable to hold onto them for any length of time. How does one heal if this is the pattern? I am not sure. I am trying to welcome/accept whatever comes to my awareness but not having a whole lot of success with that. I am also trying to connect the emotions that I am feeling in the present with pain I experienced in the past even though I lack the memory that would give those feelings meaning. Does that make sense? Not sure if what I am doing will be effective but I am tired of being stuck in this cycle. I hope someone else has something to share that is more helpful or tangible for you. Please know you are not alone on this frustrating journey!!!!

deeplyrooted