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Compartments -

Compartmentalizing is a useful tactic to employ to organize our space or surroundings. Sometimes, the psyche attempts to do the same thing with our emotions.

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Defense mechanism -

When our thoughts and feelings contradict with a thought or feeling we are already feeling inside, we experience internal conflict. 

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Protection -

When we have internal conflicts, it's uncomfortable for the psyche. We want to protect ourselves from anxious feelings as much as possible, so we can function at a high level in the world.

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Protection -

To protect itself from feeling anxious and stressed due to the cognitive dissonance at play in various parts of life—work, personal, family, friends—the psyche creates compartments.

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Work demands -

Working life demands we set aside our personal issues, so we can focus on the task at hand. Some people develop a work persona and a home persona to compartmentalize this difference in behavior.

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Work demands -

Our work persona comes into play when we need to be productive despite having very real personal distractions or stresses taking place in our lives.

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Work persona -

Some people have a harsh or stern work persona, for example, while they might adopt a gentler approach in their home life and relationships.

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Work persona -

If part of the work persona is to overindulge when celebrating professional "wins," even if it is in conflict with their home persona, this is compartmentalization in action.

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Work persona -

By compartmentalizing in this way, a person might avoid recognizing that how they behave in one area of their life affects another.

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Dating and relationships -

Compartmentalization might come into play in our intimate interpersonal relationships. In a long-term relationship, it might avoid small disagreements.

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Dating and relationships -

However, disagreeing about politics, about your being friends with another person, or with how your partner treats your pet are signs of a bigger issue.

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Ignoring the red flags -

In dating, you're supposed to pay attention to what we commonly hear referred to as "red flags."

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Ignoring the red flags -

In truth, people don't really ignore red flags. They tend to compartmentalize certain behaviors they find distressing, to maintain a positive image of the person. 

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In everyday life -

A certain amount of compartmentalization can be healthy. If you feel emotions interfering with your ability to get things done, you might want to put it to one side until you have time to think about it and process it later. If this is a sporadic occurrence, it's unlikely to be a bigger issue in your life.

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Denial -

Rather than talk about an obvious problem with family and friends, people who compartmentalize will avoid it, acting in denial.

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Rationalizing -

Rationalizing problematic thoughts is another way people compartmentalize, which can be dangerous, especially where there is an addiction involved.

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Different behaviors with different people -

In the context of work, adopting different behaviors with different people is sometimes needed to get things done. If this is a strategy applied with the different people in your life, it could be a sign of a bigger problem.

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A Freudian theory -

Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) identified the concept of compartmentalization. Although many of his theories have been questioned over the years, this one generally has the support of mental health professionals today.

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A Freudian theory -

Freud believed it developed as a coping mechanism between 18 months and five years of age. For some people, this learned behavior continues into adulthood.

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Avoidance -

When compartalization continues into adulthood, it might lead to an avoidance of issues that are important and should be addressed.

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Avoidance -

This avoidance can also lead to engaging in self-destructive behaviors, which are an outlet to take the mind off emotions that are being suppressed.

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Trauma -

For some people, compartmentalization begins in response to a trauma they suffered. For example, following a sexual assault, someone might want to appear strong to avoid reliving feelings of helplessness.

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Trauma -

After a traumatic car crash, a person may have to drive again out of necessity to get to work and commitments. However, the act itself could require compartmentalization to avoid triggering memories and feelings of the incident each time they get behind the wheel.

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Addictions -

Compartmentalization is frequently seen when people have addicitions. They might adopt this as a coping strategy to manage the feelings of guilt and shame that accompany their actions.

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Addictions -

Many addicts in recovery are surprised by the way they were able to justify their behaviors and the damage caused. For many, it wouldn't have been possible without compartmentalization.

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The mental "split" -

One of the ways to treat compartmentalization is to try to build awareness through mindfulness practices. This helps to make it clearer when the unconscious "split" is happening.

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Integration -

The opposite of unconsciousness is awareness, which brings mind, heart, and spirit into alignment, otherwise known as integration.

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Therapy can help -

We live in a complex world, where it's easy to get overwhelmed and fall into a pattern of compartmentalization. Talking to a therapist can help you to identify and understand unhelpful thought patterns and coping mechanisms, to live in a more integrated way.

Sources: (Psychology Today) (MindBodyGreen) (Choosing Therapy)

See also: Understanding how resentment affects your health

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