I completely understand that you sometimes need to avoid this forum, so please you really don't need to apologise. Just look after yourself for me!!

What you said is really interesting actually, i've never had any physical symptoms of my repressed emotions, which has often led me to wondering if they are real or not (all very confusing) but recently i've found when i'm stressed but concentrating i'm subconsiously biting my tongue. I only notice later when i relax my jaw and i realise my tongue is twice its size (well it feels like that!!) - all very odd.

I think what has happened is that i've taught myself not to release emotions almost to the point where i'm unable too. When i was younger i found showing emotion could lead to being hurt so i learnt not to - it was a defense mechanism. I think this why my SH can happen at times of any overwhelming emotion not just sadness.

At the moment there is something going on under the surface but i just seem to be 'getting on with it'. I think this has advantages and disadvantages, because although it keeps me going and generally not doing too much damage, it often reaches boiling point which is not fun.

Thank you for all your thoughts and ideas, if i have any improvements in connecting with anything i'll be sure to let you know! If only i was better with words, i think that may be the answer for me, but unfortunately my vocabulary is rather poor!

take care of yourself.