Defense mechanisms are strategies that people use to cope with distressing feelings.
In the case of denial, it can involve not acknowledging reality or denying the consequences of that reality.
However, in the short term, this defense mechanism can have a useful purpose.
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It can allow you to have time to adjust to a sudden change in your reality.
By giving yourself time, you might be able to accept, adapt, and eventually move on.
In some cases, it can prevent you from accepting help or getting the treatment that they need.
Some common signs:
In addition to these signs, you might find yourself feeling hopeless or helpless.
In some cases, it might be a way to avoid dealing with stress or painful emotions.
Denial serves a few different purposes.
First, using this defense mechanism means you don’t have to acknowledge the problem.
Second, it also allows you to minimize the potential consequences that might result.
Denial is sometimes seen more often with certain types of mental health conditions.
Denying a problem exists allows the individual to continue engaging in destructive behavior without addressing the problem.
Examples of Denial
Denial is a common way for people to avoid dealing with troubling feelings.
Some examples:
Impact of Denial
Denial isn’t always a bad thing.
In other cases, however, denial can be problematic and even harmful.
Treating Denial
Overcoming denial often depends on the nature of the problem.
Find out which option is the best for you.
A Word From Verywell
Denial is a common way for people to deal with anxiety-provoking situations.
Developing coping skills will allow you to face your fears in healthy and productive ways.
Being willing to listen or offering to go with them to talk to a professional may be more helpful.
Costa RM.Denial (Defense mechanism).
In: Zeigler-Hill V, Shackelford TK, eds.Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences.
Springer International Publishing; 2017:1-3. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-28099-8_1373-1
Bailey R, Pico J.Defense Mechanisms.
In:StatPearls[Internet].
