From the Research
Alternatives to repression, such as mindfulness practices, cognitive behavioral therapy, and emotional expression, are more effective in addressing underlying issues and improving mental wellbeing than repression, which can lead to increased anxiety and psychological distress over time. These approaches, including sublimation, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, have been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety and depression symptom severity in a range of individuals 1, 2. Mindfulness practices, in particular, have been found to be effective in reducing anxiety and depression symptoms, and have been shown to perform comparably with cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) 1.
Some of the key alternatives to repression include:
- Mindfulness practices, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, which encourage acknowledging and accepting thoughts without judgment 1, 2
- Cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, which help identify and challenge negative thought patterns 3, 4
- Emotional expression through creative outlets, such as art, music, or writing 5
- Open communication in safe environments, which can help individuals process and manage their emotions in a healthy way
- Physical activities, such as exercise, which can serve as a healthy outlet for pent-up emotions
These alternatives have been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety and depression symptoms, and can be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as medication, to provide comprehensive care 3, 5. The most recent and highest quality study, a network meta-analysis published in 2023, found that cognitive behavioral treatment, pharmacotherapy, and the combination of the two were all effective treatments for childhood anxiety disorders, with no significant difference between the three treatment forms 5. Overall, alternatives to repression offer a range of effective strategies for managing anxiety and depression, and can be tailored to meet the individual needs and preferences of each person.