Chapter 1: The Nature of Emotions

What occurs when we choose to bottle up our feelings? Johnny Poitras raises a thought-provoking question: “Do you ever worry that suppressing an emotion means it will eventually resurface, stronger and more overwhelming?” This query serves as a springboard for a deeper exploration.

To tackle Johnny’s inquiry, we can draw upon the thought experiment known as Schrödinger's Cat, a concept many of us may recognize from an episode of The Big Bang Theory (Season 5, Episode 5: Sheldon's explanation at 2:40). In this scenario, a cat is placed in a sealed box, and until the box is opened, we remain unaware of the cat's state—alive or dead.

Instead of focusing on the cat's fate, let's apply this metaphor to our emotions, treating them as if they are contained within a box. What happens when we put our emotions away for a time?

As Johnny suggests, while you may not feel an emotion immediately after suppressing it, what occurs when you revisit those feelings later? Consider this: a recent event has stirred up some unwelcome emotions. You may decide to set these feelings aside, saying to yourself, “I’ll deal with this later.” You box them up and turn your attention elsewhere (regardless of how effective this distraction truly is).

Upon returning to check on the contents of your emotional box, you might encounter one of four scenarios:

1. The emotions remain unchanged.
2. The emotions have intensified over time.
3. The emotions have eased somewhat.
4. The emotions have vanished entirely.

The second outcome is akin to how we describe emotions as being "bottled up," potentially leading to an explosive release. Imagine someone inadvertently nudging the table where your emotional box sits—suddenly, those pent-up feelings could spill out, and they might be even more intense than before. This situation isn't inherently negative; if your emotions had a valid reason for existing, they might have warranted attention sooner.

Outcomes three and four illustrate scenarios where, after a rough day, you might wish to be alone but can't. You might feel irritable, yet you suppress those feelings, putting on a brave face. Surprisingly, when you wake up the next day and check your emotional box, you discover that your irritability has vanished. You’ve managed to avoid letting those feelings dictate your actions, preventing outbursts directed at others.

Both internal and external factors play critical roles in this emotional experiment. Internal factors encompass your ability to regulate emotions, influenced by personal habits, emotional skills, and biology. These are aspects you can work on, such as adopting a more positive outlook. Conversely, external factors involve real-life pressures—relationships, work, school, health issues, and negative events can all impact emotional states. Simply stashing feelings away may not always be the optimal approach.

Understanding yourself can help you discern which issues can be safely shelved and which are likely to boil over if ignored. Not all emotions or problems should be confined to a box.

Medications also fit into the external category. Take, for example, individuals diagnosed with ADHD who are prescribed antidepressants before discovering that stimulants better support their mood and overall management of life.

This model of emotional regulation is, of course, a simplification. It's unrealistic to think you can always walk away from your emotions or that doing so is advisable. Often, emotions arise for a reason; they deserve processing and resolution.

In everyday situations where the stakes are lower, it might be beneficial to navigate between processing emotions and shifting your focus elsewhere. This approach can apply to children as well; addressing minor issues is important, but sometimes redirecting their attention can help them forget what was bothering them.

For more significant emotional challenges, a more nuanced strategy may be required rather than merely boxing up your feelings.

Emotional regulation is complex and can often be rooted in intricate dynamics. Context is essential. I had to edit out a lengthy discussion on sensitive topics to ensure the content remains suitable for all audiences. For those interested in delving deeper into emotional regulation regarding heavier issues, we can explore that further at another time.

As for lighter matters, we all have areas for improvement. Sometimes, we focus on personal growth, while other times, we simply allow ourselves to feel and cry. There’s no definitive right answer, as long as we continue moving forward, and it often helps to have friends to confide in.

Wishing everyone a day filled with emotional clarity!

Please note that I am not qualified to provide medical advice, and this discussion should not be interpreted as such. I value the time spent with my therapist and recognize that emotions are complex. It’s normal for difficult times to arise; keep moving forward, do what you need to do, and don’t hesitate to seek support when necessary.

Section 1.1: Exploring Emotional Bottling

Chapter 2: The Impact of Suppressed Emotions

The first video, "Schrodinger's Feelings (Original Song by Erin McCartney) Cabaret Night 12/3/2023," beautifully encapsulates the struggle of managing emotions in an engaging format.

The second video, "Can we use Schrodinger's equation to quantize emotions?" delves into the fascinating intersection of quantum theory and emotional understanding.