How Self-Denial Can Lead to a Mental Health Crisis
Change isn't always well received. When something happens in your life that is shocking or unexpected, you may try to deny that it actually took place. You may not be ready or able to process what happened. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone.
Self-denial is a coping mechanism that many people utilize as a way to protect themselves from negative or problematic events. But denial isn't a long-term solution.
Let's learn more about how self-denial can lead to a mental health crisis.
Signs of Denial
If you or someone you love is resorting to denial as a way to avoid certain situations, these are some of the most commons signs people exhibit:
Assuming they have to deal with the problem on their own
Avoid thinking about the problem
Blaming other people or situations for the problem
Comparing the situation to others
Continuing to act a certain way even with negative consequences
Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
Refusing to talk about the problem
Promising to talk about or fix the problem at a later date
Trying to justify or rationalize the behavior and or the problem
Why It Happens
Denial is a defense mechanism. It's a way for people to protect themselves from feeling anxiety, stress, or other painful or negative emotions. Denying bad situations prevents individuals from even acknowledging there may be a problem in the first place. It's also a way to minimize any consequences that may be associated with the problem.
There are certain mental health conditions that are more likely to suffer from self-denial like the following:
Alcohol Use Disorder
Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Substance Abuse Disorder
The Impact
Denial can sometime be a way to slowly adapt to certain changes that may be taking place in your life. That being said, it's a short-term solution at best.
When denial is used as a long-term solution, it can actually cause the initial problem to worsen or for other problems to arise. The longer someone denies how they're really feeling, the worse those feelings will get.
Denial may seem like a quick fix, at least for the short term, but by denying how you're really thinking, you're not actually fixing or resolving anything. You're basically putting a bandaid on something that requires stitches. Denying that a problem exists means that you'll continue to behave in a certain way or accept certain behaviors from others that may be detrimental.
Treatment Options
Self-denial is treatable, but the treatment options will be unique to the individual and the problem that exists. Therapy is a great option for those struggling with a problem that they may be trying to deny in order to deal with it later on. It might be tempting to procrastinate, but there's no time like the present.
A therapist will be able to work with you to help you acknowledge the problem as well as the things you may be doing to try to deny what's actually taking place. A therapist will be able to help you figure out why you may be using denial as a way to cope with what's happening in your life.
Next Steps
If you're struggling with self-denial, you're not alone. Luckily, help is available to you. Facing your problems head-on may seem daunting, but it's one of the best ways to move forward. We're here to help you through all of life's challenges.
Denial only prevents you from getting the help you really need. Admitting it to yourself is a big step, but we're here to help you navigate all of this uncertainty.
Reach out to us today if you're interested in setting up a consultation for online therapy.
