Hello! I am João Barros, psychoanalyst and writer. Today we will explore a fascinating theme that affects many people in their daily lives: denial. It is common to hear someone say “that’s not what happened” or “it’s not my fault.” But what is behind these words? Let’s find out together.
What is denial?
Denial is an ego defense mechanism, a way of protecting itself from unpleasant emotions or situations. It is as if our brain created a barrier to avoid dealing with reality. This may be useful in the short term, but in the long run it may lead to more serious problems.
Imagine that you are driving and run over an animal on the road. If you deny what happened, you may feel relieved at the moment, but you will soon have to deal with the consequences of your action. Denial does not solve the problem, just the solution.
Types of denial
There are different types of denial, each with its own unique characteristics. One is simple denial when someone simply ignores or denies a fact. Another is rationalized denial, when someone creates justifications to explain what happened.
For example, if someone loses their job and says “it was not a good job anyway,” he is rationalizing the situation. This can help the person feel better at the moment, but it doesn’t help deal with the consequences of job loss.
Why do people use denial?
People use denial for many reasons. One is the fear of dealing with difficult emotions such as pain, guilt or shame. Another reason is the need to maintain a positive image of yourself. If someone sees himself as a good and honest person, he can deny any behavior that contradicts this image.
In addition, denial can be a defense mechanism learned as a child. If a child grows in an environment where problems are ignored or minimized, they can learn to use denial as a way of dealing with difficulties.
Consequences of Denial
Denial can have serious consequences if not recognized and worked. One is the loss of relationships. If someone is in denial, they may have difficulty dealing with others’ problems or taking responsibility for their own mistakes.
Another consequence is personal stagnation. If someone is not willing to deal with their emotions and problems, they may have difficulty growing and developing as a person. Denial can lead to a “make-believe” life, where people live in a fantasy world instead of facing reality.
In addition, negation can affect physical and mental health. If someone is in denial, they may have difficulty dealing with stress and anxiety, which can lead to health problems such as hypertension, heart disease or depression.
It is important to remember that denial is not a solution to problems. Instead, it is an obstacle that prevents people from dealing with difficulties and growing as individuals.
Overcoming the denial
Overcoming denial is not easy, but it is possible. The first step is to recognize denial and be willing to deal with underlying emotions and problems. This can be done with the help of a therapist or psychoanalyst.
Another important step is to develop self -awareness. This means being aware of your thoughts, feelings and behaviors, and being willing to question your own beliefs and attitudes.
In addition, it is essential to develop effective communication skills. This means being able to express your feelings and needs clearly and respectfully, and be willing to listen and consider the perspectives of others.
Overcoming denial is a process that takes time and effort, but it is an important journey to personal growth and mental health. Remember that reality can be difficult to face, but it is always better than living in a fantasy world.
I hope this article has helped to better understand the concept of denial and how it can affect our lives. If you have any questions or comment, feel free to share.
