When Hiding Your Feelings as a Child Haunts You as an Adult
As kids, many of us learned to hide our emotions—staying quiet to keep the peace or pretending to be “fine” to avoid punishment or judgment. But those masks we wore don’t disappear with age. In adulthood, emotional suppression can turn into anxiety, burnout, and the constant fear of vulnerability. You might struggle to set boundaries, feel disconnected from your true self, or find it hard to trust others. Healing begins by acknowledgin... moreWhen Hiding Your Feelings as a Child Haunts You as an Adult
As kids, many of us learned to hide our emotions—staying quiet to keep the peace or pretending to be “fine” to avoid punishment or judgment. But those masks we wore don’t disappear with age. In adulthood, emotional suppression can turn into anxiety, burnout, and the constant fear of vulnerability. You might struggle to set boundaries, feel disconnected from your true self, or find it hard to trust others. Healing begins by acknowledging the mask, understanding why it was needed, and slowly giving yourself permission to feel again. Your emotions deserve space—they’re not weakness, they’re wisdom.
Rafael Achacoso, MSN, PMHNP-BC, a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner based in Washington, D.C., specializes in helping adults untangle the impact of childhood emotional patterns. With a compassionate, stigma-free approach—especially for young professionals and the LGBTQ+ community—he supports clients in reconnecting with their emotional truth. Healing starts with awareness, and Rafael helps make that journey safe, supportive, and empowering.
