Repressed Anger in Women: A Hidden Trigger for Autoimmune Diseases?

10th April 2025

2 minutes read

Repressed Anger in Women: A Hidden Trigger for Autoimmune Diseases?

A Silent Epidemic Among Women

For decades, women have been disproportionately affected by autoimmune diseases. From multiple sclerosis and lupus to rheumatoid arthritis and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the numbers speak for themselves: almost 80% of autoimmune disease patients are women.

While genetic and hormonal factors are commonly cited, researchers and psychologists are increasingly turning their attention to a lesser-known culprit: repressed anger.

Anger and Immunity: Is There a Physiological Link?

Anger is a basic human emotion, but in many cultures, it is considered socially inappropriate for women to express it. From a young age, girls are often taught to “stay calm,” “be polite,” and “not cause trouble.” As a result, anger doesn’t disappear—it becomes chronic stress, internal tension, and guilt.

Studies in psychoneuroimmunology show that chronic emotional stress can deregulate the immune system, leading to abnormal inflammatory responses that increase the risk of autoimmune diseases.

What Science Says

Physicians like Dr. Gabor Maté, a renowned expert on mind-body health, believe that suppressing powerful emotions (such as anger or sadness) over time can weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to chronic illness.

A 2020 study published in Brain, Behavior, and Immunity found that women who frequently suppressed their emotions had higher levels of inflammatory markers, which could make them more vulnerable to autoimmune disorders.

A Gendered Emotional Double Standard

Whereas male anger is often accepted—or even praised—as a sign of strength or assertiveness, female anger is still stigmatized, often dismissed as “hysterical” or “irrational.” This pushes many women to internalize their frustration, masking it with silence, overcommitment, or self-blame.

This emotional invisibility can lead to deep imbalances in the body—especially in immune regulation.

A Path Toward Healing

Acknowledging the link between emotional health and autoimmune disorders could lead to new integrative therapeutic approaches. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, creative expression, and women’s support circles can all help in releasing repressed emotions.

This is not about blaming women for their illnesses, but about recognizing the psychological burden imposed by social norms—and understanding that the body always tells the truth.

Redefining Women’s Health

Rethinking women’s health means recognizing emotions as both warning signs and pathways to healing. Perhaps liberating women’s voices—and their anger—isn’t just a social justice issue, but a powerful act of recovery.