Denial of difficult situations can lead to more pain in the long run.
Denial is an attitude or state of mind wherein a person refuses to acknowledge a particular truth. Sometimes, that truth can be a difficult one to accept, such as physical or sexual abuse suffered as a child. Another common state of denial is that which drug abusers find themselves in when they refuse to admit that they have addictions to various drugs despite confrontation by family and friends. Find out more about the definition, causes, symptoms and treatment for denial.
Definition
According to the Mayo Clinic, denial is a coping mechanism. Sufferers use it to give themselves time to adjust psychologically to painful or stressful situations. While it can be helpful initially as a survival technique, if a person denies the reality of the situation causing him intense pain, he will have trouble moving on to acceptance of and healing from that situation and may find it difficult to overcome other challenges in life. If the situation is practical, it can have disastrous ramifications. While a state of denial is a choice on some level, the Mayo Clinic asserts that it is predominantly an unconscious process.
Causes
Any situation that is intensely painful or stressful can cause a person to go into a state of denial. Financial troubles, bankruptcy, home foreclosure, sexual or physical abuse and drug addiction can all be situations that a person chooses to cope with by denying their existence or reality. Additionally, a chronic or critical illness or traumatic event such as witnessing a crime or murder can also cause someone to go into a state of denial.
Symptoms
The symptoms of being in a state of denial include refusing to acknowledge a stressful or painful circumstance in your life or the life of someone you love. Denial is also recognized by an avoidance of painful facts or minimizing of the consequences of a stressful reality such as telling yourself or someone else it's really not a big deal if I lose my home or it doesn't matter if I have stage four pancreatic cancer. I'll be fine.
Treatment
Going into a state of denial for a few days or weeks after a severely traumatic event may help a person process the reality of what's happening to him slowly. However, after that time, being in a state of denial is counterproductive to overcoming the stressful or painful situation. If a person remains in a state of denial for longer than a few weeks, counseling from a qualified mental health professional may be necessary to help that person move on to acceptance and healing. Medication may be prescribed to treat depression or anxiety, which can result from being in a state of denial about a situation. Journaling about one's feelings and fears and joining a support group for people who've experienced similar situations are additional forms of treatment for helping someone move out of a state of denial.
Related Posts:
What Are The Symptoms Of Denial & Stress
Denial is a defense mechanism that people use when they cannot handle or don't want to deal with reality. Stress is one of the results of denial left untreated. Facts usually do not change, no mat...
Seven Signs Of Denial
Avoiding responsibility can be a defense mechanism of denial.Everyone knows this guy. He shows up late and leaves early several days a week. With all of his missed appointments and all that free t...
Stop Living In Denial
In order to stop living in denial, a person must be willing to face painful truths. These truths can range from health setbacks or financial woes to severe relationship issues or any life-altering...
Advantages & Disadvantages Of Being A Gynecologist
Gynecologists may be called to work off hours, including late nights or weekends.Gynecology addresses the health of the female reproductive system, so gynecologists perform examinations, diagnose...
Telltale Signs Of Alcoholic Denial
Denial is a major sign that someone has a problem with alcohol, since they are usually the last to admit that their drinking is out of control. By clinging to this behavior, it keeps an alcoholic...
