Suppressed Rage and Autoimmune Disorders in Women

"I was always the 'nice girl' who avoided conflict at all costs," Emily, a 38-year-old school teacher, recalls. "I never stood up for myself at work, in relationships, or even with friends. I thought keeping the peace was the right thing to do. But all the while, my body was breaking down." She was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis after years of chronic fatigue, joint pain, and digestive issues. Looking back, she realized she had spent most of her life suppressing anger.

Sarah, a 45-year-old marketing executive, was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the peak of her career. "I lived my whole life trying to meet everyone's expectations. I suppressed every feeling of frustration and anger—telling myself it wasn’t worth rocking the boat," she shares. When she started experiencing excruciating joint pain, she brushed it off as stress-related. However, after her diagnosis, she began exploring the emotional triggers of her disease.

These women are no strangers to the societal expectations that women should be peacemakers, prioritizing harmony over confrontation and putting others' needs before their own. In recent years, researchers and medical professionals have increasingly examined the connection between emotional health and physical well-being. One of the most compelling discussions surrounds the correlation between suppressed rage and autoimmune disorders, particularly in women. Understanding this link may provide valuable insights into disease prevention and holistic health strategies.

Understanding Suppressed Rage in Women

Suppressed rage occurs when individuals habitually repress anger rather than expressing it in a healthy way. According to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA), approximately 80% of the 50 million Americans living with autoimmune diseases are women. That means around 40 million women in the US alone are affected by autoimmune disorders. Studies also indicate that women of color are even more disproportionately affected by this.

Psychologist Dana Jack, a pioneer in this field, highlights the impact of self-silencing on women's health in her work. "Women often struggle with self-silencing due to societal expectations to be agreeable, selfless, and controlled, leading to significant health risks," she explains. Her book, Silencing the Self Across Cultures: Depression and Gender in the Social World, was awarded the American Psychological Association International Division award, which was recognized for making “ the greatest contribution to psychology as an international discipline and profession.”

The Autoimmune Connection

So how exactly do autoimmune disorders manifest themselves? Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues—leading to chronic inflammation and a range of debilitating symptoms. Conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and fibromyalgia disproportionately affect women.

Dr. Sara Gottfried, a Harvard- and MIT-trained integrative medicine doctor, discusses the link between trauma and autoimmune diseases. As an award-winning author and leading physician with 25 years of experience, she shares, "In my practice, a significant number of people with autoimmune disease have a history of toxic stress and trauma." Research suggests that chronic stress and emotional suppression may contribute to the onset and progression of autoimmune diseases. The prolonged fight-or-flight response, triggered by unexpressed anger, can dysregulate the immune system and lead to self-destructive patterns within the body.

One of the most significant findings in psychoneuroimmunology—the study of how emotions influence the immune system—is that unresolved emotional trauma and chronic stress can alter immune function. When the body remains in a prolonged state of stress due to suppressed rage, the inflammatory response dysregulates the nervous system. Instead of attacking harmful invaders, the immune system turns on the body itself, resulting in autoimmune conditions.

How Suppressed Rage Impacts the Body

Renowned speaker and best-selling author Dr. Gabor Maté states in his book When the Body Says No, "The repression of anger, which is an automatic and unconscious mechanism, disarms the body's defenses against illness. Those who are unable to say no, who constantly prioritize others over themselves, are at a much higher risk of developing chronic conditions." The major indicators of autoimmune disorders include:

1. Chronic inflammation – Emotional stress—especially unresolved anger—triggers inflammatory responses. This persistent state of inflammation is a key factor in autoimmune diseases.
2. Hormonal imbalance – Anger suppression can lead to an overproduction of stress hormones like cortisol, which, over time, may interfere with immune function and increase susceptibility to illness.
3. Gut dysbiosis – The gut-brain connection plays a crucial role in immune health. Emotional repression can contribute to imbalances in gut bacteria, which are essential for regulating immune responses.
4. Nervous system dysfunction – Chronic emotional suppression can shift the body into a constant state of sympathetic nervous system activation—preventing proper immune regulation.
5. Cellular stress and DNA damage – Chronic stress and emotional repression have been linked to cellular stress and DNA damage, both of which contribute to the aging process and the development of chronic diseases.
6. Increased risk of depression and anxiety – The suppression of anger often leads to feelings of powerlessness, depression, and anxiety—further exacerbating physical symptoms.

Emotional Wellness as Preventative Medicine

Although systemic change is essential to support women’s overall health, there are ways to support your own emotional wellness to help mitigate health issues like Emily and Sarah. After working with a therapist and incorporating mindfulness practices into her daily routine, Emily was able to truly acknowledge her emotions and begin to set boundaries. "It was life-changing. My symptoms started improving–and for the first time in years—I felt a sense of control over my health." 

Sarah also took control of her health through therapy and journaling. “I realized that I had internalized so much resentment over the years," Sarah explains. "Once I allowed myself to acknowledge my anger and let it out in healthy ways, my symptoms became more manageable. I still have rheumatoid arthritis, but I feel like I'm finally working with my body rather than against it."

If you’re experiencing similar health issues that you believe may be correlated to your emotional well-being, try to:

• Daily reflections – Journaling and creative outlets can help release pent-up emotions.
• Mind-body therapies – Yoga, guided meditations, and breathwork can help regulate stress responses.
• Holistic approaches to inflammation reduction – A nutrient-dense diet, adequate sleep, and regular movement can help mitigate the impact of stress.
• Therapeutic support – Therapy modalities such as CBT, EMDR, and Internal Family Systems therapy can be effective in processing suppressed emotions.
• Boundary-setting – Practice setting clear, healthy boundaries and practicing self-compassion.

While the link between suppressed rage and autoimmune disorders in women requires further scientific exploration, emerging research and anecdotal evidence strongly suggest that emotional health is a crucial component of physical well-being. Addressing unresolved anger through healthy outlets may not only improve mental health but also serve as a preventative measure against chronic illnesses. 

It will take a collective change to foster a culture that supports the totality of a woman’s well-being, but therapeutic modalities can be an integral part of healing. If you’re looking for support, the SonderMind mobile app gives you access to high-quality therapists, psychiatrists, and self-care content like daily reflections, guided meditations, and more.