Researcher Valentina Bianchi says holding in information can take a mental toll. Here’s how to manage the stress of it all

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Usually nothing makes me happier than receiving a message that starts with “don’t share this, but …”. Yet as I played the voice note on my phone, my gleeful anticipation turned to dismay.

It was a juicy bit of gossip, but one I ultimately would have preferred not to know. Now I also had to conceal it from others.

You’re probably familiar with the feeling. It’s no wonder we talk about “keeping” secrets, and the “burden” of secrecy: keeping something from others can be taxing, whether you’re desperate to conceal it or itching to share.