Fibromyalgia, Suppressed Anger, and the Path to Recovery
In 2009, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)/M.E., Raynaud’s disease, depression, and anxiety—including social anxiety. The prognosis I received was disheartening; I was told there was no cure for these conditions. However, I’m happy to report that for over 13 years, I have been free of both Fibromyalgia and Raynaud’s. My healing journey began with a brain re-training course, which showed me how to change my thought patterns, ultimately transforming my behaviours and allowing me to regain my health.
Through my journey, I have come to understand the significant role that suppressed emotions—particularly anger—play in chronic illness. Anger, when unaddressed, can manifest physically, contributing to chronic pain, tension, and fatigue. Learning how to release anger healthily became a vital part of my recovery and overall well-being.
The Impact of Suppressed Anger on the Body
Anger is one of the most destructive emotions when it is not managed properly. When directed outward, it can cause emotional distress to others, triggering their stress responses. Internally, unresolved anger floods the body with stress hormones, placing the nervous system in a prolonged state of stress, which can contribute to chronic conditions like Fibromyalgia.
According to Metaphysical Anatomy, unresolved trauma and suppressed emotions can become embedded in the body's cellular memory, leading to chronic pain and illness. Fibromyalgia, in particular, is often linked to deep-seated emotional wounds, self-criticism, and repressed anger that the body has internalised over time.
Dr. Gabor Maté, in his work, When the Body Says No, states, “The suppression of anger is a major risk factor in chronic illness. Repressed emotions do not disappear; they find expression in the body.” This aligns with the understanding that chronic conditions like Fibromyalgia are often exacerbated by emotional suppression and unresolved trauma.
Similarly, Bessel van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score, emphasises that “trauma is stored in the body, not just in the mind.” When anger and past emotional pain remain unprocessed, they manifest in physical symptoms, creating a cycle of chronic pain and fatigue. By addressing these emotions and learning how to express them in a healthy way, we can begin to release the hold they have on our well-being.
Many people are unaware that anger is a learned response, often developed as a protective mechanism in response to fear, pain, or trauma. The good news is that anything learned can also be unlearned. By cultivating self-awareness, compassion, and kindness, we can retrain our brains to respond differently to stressors and gradually lessen the grip of anger on our lives.
Healthy Ways to Release Anger
To help manage and release anger in a way that promotes emotional and physical well-being, consider the following strategies:
Deep Breathing – Slow, deep breaths (into the belly) help calm the nervous system. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth, making the out-breath longer than the in-breath.
Express Yourself Calmly – Talking to a trusted friend, therapist, or coach about your feelings can provide an outlet for anger without causing harm to yourself or others.
Physical Activity – Exercise releases endorphins, reducing stress and anger. Activities like running, weight training, or even a brisk walk can help shift energy away from anger.
Relaxation Techniques – Practices like meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, and listening to calming music can help regulate emotions.
Journaling – Writing about frustrations and emotions can help process anger in a healthy way, providing insight into its root causes. Limit expressive writing to 25 minutes a day to avoid obsessive writing about negative past events.
Taking a Break – If possible, step away from triggering situations and allow yourself time to reset.
Delaying Your Response – Giving yourself time to pause before reacting allows for a more measured, rational response instead of an instinctive outburst. The art of learning to pause can be an empowering skill.
Finding Healthy Distractions – Engaging in hobbies or creative activities can redirect focus from anger to something fulfilling and productive.
Practicing Self-Care – Prioritising relaxation, nature walks, warm baths, or mindfulness practices can create a sense of balance and peace.
Tuning Into the Body – Anger is often stored in the body, leading to tension, headaches, digestive issues, or muscle pain. Visualisation techniques can help release these emotions and prevent them from manifesting as chronic pain.
Our brain is like a muscle—the more we exercise calm, measured responses, the stronger those neural pathways become. While anger may feel automatic at times, replacing it with patience and understanding takes practice but is a worthwhile investment in long-term emotional and physical health.
The Power of the Mind, Gut, and Heart
Through my continued journey to optimal health and happiness, I have explored the interconnectedness of the three ‘brain’ centres: the mind, the gut, and the heart. Achieving harmony between these areas is essential for overcoming conditions like anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and fatigue. In Western society, these conditions have become increasingly prevalent, yet addressing them holistically can lead to profound healing.
My passion for this work led me to retrain in 2016 as a Master NLP Practitioner, Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapist, Life Coach, Integral Eye Movement Therapist, Bach, Nutrition, Naturopathy and CBT coach. More recently, I obtained a Level 7 QLS Diploma in Train the Trainer. As a trauma-informed therapist, I now dedicate my life to helping others overcome their own challenges and reclaim their health.
A New Chapter: The Mind Body Gut Training Company Ltd
In 2022, now collaborating with Laura Shipp Wellbeing to bring mind, body, and gut into harmony through The Mind Body Gut Training Company Ltd, I continue this mission. This partnership is dedicated to empowering individuals with the tools and knowledge they need to break free from the chains of chronic conditions, waking up each day with energy, confidence, and resilience.
If my journey has taught me anything, it’s that healing is possible. By addressing our suppressed emotions, particularly anger, and embracing holistic approaches to wellness, we can transform our health and our lives.