Repression is a defense mechanism in which people push difficult or unacceptable thoughts out of conscious awareness.
What Is Repression? (Plain Language Explanation)
Repression refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Repression
- Symptoms: The specific ways repression shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen repression
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When repression occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Repression
- Repression is far more common than most people realize
- Repression is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with repression see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about repression is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing repression, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.