A recent article from the German Press Agency suggests that suppressing negative thoughts may be beneficial for mental health, contrary to the commonly-held belief that addressing and processing emotions is essential. The University of Cambridge scientists, according to the report, found that burying negative thoughts could have positive effects on mental well-being.
However, experts in trauma-informed and compassion-based therapy models, such as Sylvie Rouhani from the CPTSD Foundation, argue against this perspective. The article challenges the advice to distract oneself from inner turmoil, citing popular platitudes like ‘happiness is a choice,’ ‘be grateful,’ and ‘think positive’ as potentially harmful.
Rouhani emphasizes that suppressing emotions and trauma can lead to detrimental consequences, manifesting as impulsive behavior and thoughts. Drawing on personal experience, she shares her journey of attempting to be positive and cheerful, only to find herself feeling suicidal for a significant part of the year. It was through acknowledging and accepting her true feelings, with the support of a therapist, that she began to experience genuine joy and a desire to live.
Rouhani emphasizes the importance of recognizing and responding compassionately to inner parts, especially those shaped by early childhood experiences. She advocates for a gradual and ongoing process of self-discovery and healing, highlighting the need for patience on the journey of recovery from childhood trauma.
This perspective challenges the notion that suppressing negative thoughts is a universal solution for mental health, advocating instead for a more compassionate and nuanced approach to understanding and addressing inner turmoil.
