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Expressing emotions can prevent disease from "summary" of When the Body Says No by Gabor Mate
According to Dr. Gabor Mate, the suppression of emotions can have a detrimental effect on our physical health. When we bury our feelings deep inside, when we put on a brave face in the face of adversity, when we swallow our anger and sadness instead of expressing them, we are setting ourselves up for illness. Our bodies are intimately connected to our minds, and the emotions that we refuse to acknowledge and process will manifest themselves in physical symptoms. Mate explains that chronic stress, which often arises from unexpressed emotions, can weaken our immune system and make us more susceptible to disease. The body is constantly sending us signals, trying to tell us that something is wrong. When we ignore these signals, when we push through the pain and soldier on without addressing the underlying emotional issues, we are essentially telling our bodies to keep quiet. But the body does not stay silent forever. Over time, the suppression of emotions can lead to the development of serious illnesses such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and cardiovascular disease. Mate argues that by learning to express our emotions in a healthy way, by allowing ourselves to feel and process our anger, sadness, and fear, we can prevent these diseases from taking hold. When we give ourselves permission to be vulnerable, when we allow ourselves to cry, scream, and rage, we are not only relieving the burden on our minds but also protecting our bodies from harm.- It involves acknowledging our feelings, accepting them without judgment, and finding constructive ways to release them. Whether through therapy, journaling, physical exercise, or simply talking to a trusted friend, finding healthy outlets for our emotions is essential for maintaining our overall well-being. By fostering a deep connection between our emotional and physical selves, we can create a strong foundation for health and healing.
