One recent morning on the subway to work, I found myself overwhelmed with emotions, from physical discomfort due to breastfeeding to concerns about global conflict and personal family issues. In order to focus on my responsibilities as a therapist, I knew I needed to “pull myself together” and compartmentalize these feelings for the time being. This act of compartmentalization is a common strategy where we set aside certain emotions or thoughts temporarily in order to manage our nervous systems and be present for other aspects of our lives.
As a psychotherapist, I understand the importance of balancing compartmentalization with acknowledgment and processing of emotions. It is essential to recognize when compartmentalizing is necessary for functioning, but also to avoid repression or denial of important feelings or needs. This balance can be challenging, but it is key to maintaining overall emotional wellbeing.
Compartmentalization, as described by the American Psychological Association, is a defense mechanism that serves as a way to protect ourselves from negative or painful emotions. While it can be helpful in certain situations, compartmentalization can also create barriers between different parts of ourselves if not managed effectively.
Healthy compartmentalization involves setting boundaries between different aspects of our experience while remaining aware of the need to revisit and address those emotions at a later time. Repression, on the other hand, involves outright denial of certain emotions or thoughts, leading to potential harm to oneself and relationships. It is important to distinguish between these two processes and strive towards integration of all aspects of our emotional experience.
Compartmentalization is different from dissociation, a state where consciousness is disrupted and individuals may feel disconnected from reality. Healthy compartmentalization allows us to acknowledge and set aside overwhelming emotions with the intention of returning to them later, while dissociation involves a more severe disconnection from one’s thoughts and feelings.
In navigating the line between healthy compartmentalization and avoidance, it is important to recognize the impact of cultural norms and societal pressures that often promote avoidance of negative emotions. By acknowledging and confronting our emotions, we can work towards emotional freedom and overall wellbeing.
