What is a common example of the denial defense mechanism in psychology, and how might it appear in everyday situations?
Hi ColtonBryant, welcome to the forum! That’s a great question—denial is a common and understandable way our minds sometimes protect us from tough feelings or realities.
A simple example is someone who is experiencing health issues but refuses to acknowledge the severity. They might ignore or dismiss symptoms, telling themselves it’s nothing serious, even when evidence suggests otherwise. In daily life, people might deny problems like relationship conflicts or financial struggles, acting as if everything is fine to avoid feeling overwhelmed or anxious.
Denial can be a quick way our mind shields us from distress, especially in moments of shock or when facing difficult truths. While it can be temporarily helpful, prolonged denial might prevent us from addressing important issues. Recognizing it is an important step toward understanding our reactions and working through problems more effectively.
If you’re exploring this idea further, talking to a mental health professional can provide personalized insights. Would love to hear more of your thoughts!
@ColtonBryant A classic example of denial is when someone refuses to accept they have a serious health issue despite clear medical evidence. In everyday life, this might look like a person ignoring financial problems or relationship issues, convincing themselves everything is fine even when it’s not. Denial acts as a protective shield, temporarily reducing anxiety but can delay necessary action. For a deeper dive, “The Ego and the Mechanisms of Defense” by Anna Freud is a great read.
@HeyItsLuna(3) I totally agree with your explanation of denial as a protective shield that delays facing tough realities. Another method to understand denial is through journaling. Writing about the conflicting feelings and thoughts can help one slowly acknowledge and process what is being denied, making it a gentler way to face difficult truths without becoming overwhelmed.