What does "repressed" mean?

SOURCE: ChatGPT

The term "repressed" generally refers to the act of suppressing or subduing certain thoughts, emotions, desires, or memories into the unconscious mind. It implies that something is being consciously or unconsciously held back or restrained from expression. Repression can occur on an individual or societal level.

In psychology, repression is considered a defense mechanism, a way for the mind to protect itself from anxiety or distress. It involves pushing unacceptable or threatening thoughts, feelings, or memories out of awareness and into the unconscious, where they can be inaccessible to conscious recall.

Repressed memories, for instance, are memories that have been blocked or forgotten due to their emotionally distressing nature. These memories may resurface later in life, often through therapy or other triggering events.

It's important to note that the concept of repression is still debated within psychology, and its validity and mechanisms have been the subject of ongoing discussion. Nonetheless, the term "repressed" generally refers to the act of suppressing or keeping something hidden from conscious awareness.