What is denial?

Denial is a temporary defense mechanism that can be used to protect a person from negative emotions. It is often used as a way of coping with stressful situations, trauma or abuse.

Denial is a normal response to trauma and trauma-related stress and is not a mental health problem in itself. However, denial can lead to avoidance of taking responsibility, delusion and/or inability to change as the root cause is never addressed. The first step in overcoming denial is recognizing it for what it is: an attempt to avoid reality by avoiding thinking about the feelings or experiences.

How can peer support help with denial?

Denial is a defense mechanism that can be employed by people with mental health concerns like addiction, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and eating disorders. Denial helps us cope with difficult or painful situations by refusing to believe they exist or accepting them as reality but denying their existence completely. However, denying your own emotions or experiences means that there is no ability to properly address what is happening or to heal and move forwards. Peer support groups can help overcome denial while offering compassion for those who are using it as a self-defense mechanism.

If you experience denial and seek help, join a free peer support session today.