Feeling Trapped? How A Lack of Freedom Could Be Affecting Your Health

“Freedom is the oxygen of the soul”

                                -Moshe Dayan

Dr. Robert Sapolsky is an award winning researcher, neuroendrocrinologist, and even a certified “genius” (according to the MacArthur Fellowship). He famously studied a troop of baboons and their hierarchal social structure. Surprisingly, he found that the subordinate males in the troop had higher levels of stress, lowered immune function, and a higher risk of illnesses such as heart disease than the dominant and suppressive alpha males.

To reapply this study in a modern day setting, researchers studied hierarchal structure within an organization – often referred to as “the corporate ladder.” The study showed similar results: lower ranking employees in the company displayed negative physical and mental conditions. Just like the outranked baboons!

One interpretation of this phenomenon is that the lower ranking baboons and employees experience a decrease in freedom. As for the employees, they may answer to a boss, punch a clock, and are constantly micromanaged.

This led me to consider what other ways we may feel restrained. Whether it is in the workplace, relationships, or even within our own minds. These constrictions become more commonplace then we even realize, causing us to be subjected to the adverse mental and physical symptoms of our suppressed baboons cousins.

Freedom is an essential need

The concept of freedom is nothing new. However, it doesn’t just reside in the declaration of independence or the emancipation proclamation. Nor is it merely an artificial idea derived from a philosophy lesson. The motivation for freedom should instead be seen as a primal need, something tattooed into our psyche and as visceral as hunger, thirst, or belonging.

Consider a tiger that’s been placed in a cage. It will react with aggression and rage in order to free itself.  The feeling of being restrained, trapped, or stopped is uncomfortable for a reason – it threatens our livelihood and ability to move freely throughout the world.

As time goes by, the tiger has an uncanny ability to adapt. It may become exhausted, discouraged, and lose hope until it lies down in defeat. This can easily happen to us if we feel restrained by our own situation or life. We adapt and become numb over time, only to forget ever being placed in the cage.

The Imprisoned Mind

We can then apply this theory to the feeling of being trapped by our own thoughts, emotions, or behavior. Take for instance someone struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

The disorder can become exacerbated by the added frustration one may feel from the uncontrollable compulsions, intrusive thoughts, and incessant anxiety.  Someone may feel anger or rage for being restrained by the condition, then over time become complacent, discouraged, and disillusioned.  They have become the defeated tiger in the cage…

Setting Ourselves Free

Thankfully we are not as powerless as the tiger in the cage. We have a brain that allows us the advantage to gain awareness of our restraints and find a way to free ourselves (even if that is simply choosing a different perspective).

We can choose not to panic, and allow ourselves to focus on what we can control. All cases are different, but here are some things to remember in your quests for freedom.

• We can choose to become more aware of the things that restrain us, by listening to our mind and body. Perhaps you can finally feel the anger and rage you have been suppressing. The ability to simply identify what we are going through will give us the insight needed for change.

• We can choose not to dwell on the rules, restraints, or obligations of our daily lives and instead choose to become empowered to change our perceptions, reactions, or situation.

• We can choose to be proactive; whether it be reaching out for help, leaving an unhealthy relationship, or asking your boss for your own project at work. How often do we let inaction keep us trapped?

• We can choose to widen our view. Sometimes we get so consumed by our immediate situation we rarely step back to see ways to escape. Imagine a mouse in a maze that now has a bird’s eye view to freedom.

• We can choose to set boundaries. Perhaps we are trapped in old relationship patterns that leave us drained and burnt out. Setting appropriate boundaries can free us from years of emotional imprisonment.

• We can choose to be patient. I am reminded of the prisoner that slowly chips away at the concrete wall with a dull knife, persevering to free himself.

• We can choose to simply take responsibility for our own freedoms.

Take the time to consider your own prisons. How can you create a greater sense of freedom?

It may take patience, perseverance, and hard work but just ask the tiger that’s finally released from the cage. It’s worth it.

Adam Lencioni is a licensed mental health counselor empowering individuals and couples to overcome their personal obstacles and create flourishing, satisfying lives. He currently practices at CFC Therapy Group in Chicago, IL. Contact him at adam@cfctherapy.com.