Emotional blocking is a defense mechanism where a person blocks emotions to avoid suffering and pain in some situations, which can cause a lack of interest in engaging with other people, negative thoughts, anxiety and irritability, for example.
This condition can be caused by different situations, such as previous traumatic experiences, low self-esteem, or it can arise due to some conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder or depression.
Read too: Post-traumatic stress disorder: what it is, symptoms and treatment
To treat emotional blockage, the psychiatrist and/or psychologist may recommend psychotherapy sessions, lifestyle changes, such as physical and leisure activities and, in some cases, the use of medication.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms and signs of emotional blockage are:
- Difficulty connecting emotionally with other people;
- Frequent negative emotions and thoughts;
- Anxiety and irritability;
- Fear of rejection;
- Insecurity;
- Difficulties in making decisions;
- Lack of interest in activities that were interesting.
In addition, a person with an emotional block may also present physical symptoms, such as tachycardia, insomnia, lack or excess of appetite and muscle pain.
How to identify emotional blockage
To identify emotional blockage, it is advisable to consult a psychiatrist or psychologist, so that the symptoms and signs presented by the person can be evaluated.
If you want to assess your risk of emotional blockage, make an appointment with the specialist closest to you:
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To confirm the emotional block, the doctor or psychologist may apply some specific questionnaires and tests to identify this symptom.
Possible causes
Possible causes of emotional blockage are:
- Traumatic physical or emotional experiences;
- Post-traumatic stress disorder;
- Low self-esteem;
- Depression;
- Schizophrenia.
Furthermore, the use of medications, such as antidepressants, and regular consumption of alcoholic beverages can also alter emotions and mood, favoring emotional blockage.
How to treat emotional blockage
Treatment of emotional blockage may include psychotherapy sessions, physical and leisure activities, and in some cases, the use of medication.
1. Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a set of psychological strategies and techniques that help people deal with their emotions and feelings in a positive way, in addition to reducing and/or treating symptoms, disorders and mental illnesses, and can be carried out by a psychologist or psychiatrist. Understand better how psychotherapy is carried out.
2. Physical activities
Regularly practicing physical activities can help treat mental blockage, by promoting relaxation and ensuring a feeling of well-being, as activities stimulate the release of endorphins, a hormone that helps promote physical and mental well-being.
Read too: 16 benefits of physical activity (and how to start)
3. Leisure activities
Leisure activities, such as painting, traveling, walking in nature, board games and gardening, for example, help to treat emotional blockage, as they improve sleep quality, reduce stress and anxiety levels, stimulating positive emotions, in addition to strengthen connections with other people.
4. Medications
In some cases, such as people with depression or post-traumatic stress disorder, for example, the psychiatrist may prescribe the use of antidepressant medications, beta blockers and/or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, for example.
