How does emotional suppression in bisexual individuals contribute to the development of psychological distress or somatic symptoms?
Emotional suppression is common among bisexual individuals who experience internalized biphobia from society, family, peers, friends, workplace, and social media. Internalized biphobia refers to negative attitudes towards one's own bisexual identity that are often learned through experiences of stigma, discrimination, prejudice, harassment, bullying, violence, and rejection. As a result, bisexuals may suppress their true feelings about their sexual orientation to avoid being judged, rejected, ridiculed, marginalized, or even physically attacked. This can lead to emotional stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, isolation, shame, guilt, and hopelessness.
Bisexual individuals may also suppress their sexual desires due to societal expectations for monogamy, commitment, exclusivity, fidelity, and gender roles. They may feel pressured to conform to heteronormative norms and hide their true selves for fear of losing jobs, partners, friendships, families, and communities. Suppressing these natural urges can cause frustration, anger, resentment, despair, and alienation. It can also increase stress levels and interfere with relationships, communication, intimacy, physical wellbeing, and mental health.
Emotional suppression may manifest as physical pain in the body, such as headaches, migraines, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, muscle tension, insomnia, digestive issues, and cardiovascular problems. These symptoms can be attributed to psychosomatic disorders caused by chronic stress, trauma, and repressed emotions. Bisexual people who have experienced rejection, abuse, discrimination, or trauma may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can result in flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, avoidance behavior, and difficulty trusting others.
To address this issue, bisexual individuals should practice self-acceptance and affirmation of their identity through therapy, support groups, LGBTQ+ spaces, online platforms, and social media. They should learn to express themselves authentically without fear or shame. They should prioritize their mental and physical wellbeing and seek professional help if needed. Allies can create safe spaces for bisexuals to share their experiences, validate their feelings, and advocate for change.
How does emotional suppression in bisexual individuals contribute to the development of psychological distress or somatic symptoms?
Bisexual people who suppress their feelings may have an increased risk for developing mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. This is because suppressing one's true self can lead to feelings of isolation, shame, and low self-esteem, which are known to be linked with poorer mental health outcomes.