"否认是应对无法承受现实的生存策略"

Denial is essentially our mind's way of saying, "Nope, I can't handle this right now." It's a psychological coping mechanism that kicks in when we're faced with something so overwhelming that our brain just refuses to process it. Think of it as a temporary mental shutdown. It's like when your phone overheats and decides to shut down to protect itself—same idea.

Historically, this concept has been a big part of psychoanalytic theory. Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, talked about defense mechanisms, and denial is one of the big ones. He believed that we use these mechanisms to protect ourselves from anxiety and the harsh realities of life. Fast forward to the present day, and you'll find that the idea still holds water. Therapists today still see clients who use denial to avoid dealing with painful truths, whether it's about relationships, health, or even finances.

Let's bring this to life with a real-world example. Imagine a person who has recently been laid off from their job. Losing a job can be devastating—it's not just about the loss of income, but also the blow to one's identity and self-worth. Instead of facing this harsh reality, the person might go into denial. They might tell themselves that they're just on an extended vacation, avoiding the job hunt altogether. They ignore bills stacking up, brushing off creditors with excuses. This denial keeps them from feeling the full weight of their situation, at least temporarily.

So, how can you use this wisdom in your own life? First, recognize when you might be in denial. It's not always easy, but pay attention to areas where you're avoiding the truth. Are you ignoring health symptoms because you're afraid of what the doctor might say? Are you staying in a toxic relationship because admitting it's bad feels too hard? Once you spot these areas, take small steps to address them. You don't have to tackle everything at once—just nibble at the edges. Maybe schedule that doctor's appointment or talk to a friend about your relationship concerns. The key is to break the cycle of denial bit by bit.

Now, let me tell you about Lisa, a friend of mine. She was in a long-term relationship that everyone could see was falling apart, except her. Her partner was distant, emotionally unavailable, and even unfaithful. But Lisa? She was in complete denial. She'd make excuses for him, saying he was just stressed at work or that they were going through a phase. It was unbearable for her to face the reality that this relationship was toxic and dragging her down. One day, after yet another canceled date, something snapped. She couldn't ignore the truth any longer. It was like pulling the curtain back and finally seeing the room for what it was—messy and unlivable. She took a deep breath, sought support from friends, and slowly started rebuilding her life. It wasn't easy, but facing the reality was the first step toward healing.

In the end, denial can be a useful short-term strategy, but it's not a place you want to live. Recognize it, understand why it's there, and then find the courage to face what's really going on. It's like ripping off a Band-Aid—painful at first, but ultimately freeing.