Denial keeps us locked into the behaviour we are trying to change by convincing us that what we’re doing is not that bad, necessary on some level or will change. All these assumptions are wrong. This post poses the questions you need to ask yourself to navigate your way out of denial.
Many people use denial as a defence mechanism to avoid confronting unpleasant or uncomfortable realities. This is especially true in the case of addiction and mental health issues, where people may refuse to acknowledge their problems or the impact they have on their lives and the lives of those around them. However, denial only serves to exacerbate the problem and prevent people from seeking help. In this article, we will look at the basic psychology of denial and how people can work through it to overcome addiction and mental health issues.
Denial is a psychological defence mechanism that allows people to avoid the emotional pain and discomfort that comes with acknowledging a problem or reality that threatens their sense of self. When confronted with a difficult truth, denial allows people to dismiss or minimise the issue in order to maintain their self-esteem and avoid feelings of shame, guilt, or anxiety.
Individuals may deny mental health problems for a variety of reasons. For one thing, there is still a significant stigma associated with mental illness, which can make it difficult for people to recognise their problems and seek help. Furthermore, many people are ashamed or embarrassed about their symptoms and are afraid of being judged or rejected by others. Some people may be afraid of the consequences of admitting their problems, such as losing their job or damaging their relationships.
Denial is especially common in addiction, where people refuse to admit they have a problem or the impact their substance use is having on their lives. This can be due to a variety of factors, such as the shame and stigma associated with addiction, the belief that they have control over their substance use, or the fear of facing the difficult recovery process.
However, denial only serves to perpetuate addiction and prevents people from seeking help. Individuals must first recognise that they have a problem and be willing to seek treatment in order to overcome addiction. This can be a challenging and unpleasant process, but it is necessary for long-term recovery.
Breaking through denial can be a difficult and unpleasant process, but it is a necessary step towards recovery from addiction and mental health issues. Here are some coping strategies for dealing with denial:
Read more about denial in drug and alcohol addiction cases here and on this page here. This page is part of a series of articles that we did about understanding the links in addiction and trauma and getting support and treatment. It was a great process where we rounded up all the counsellors and started asking the kinds of questions that so many patients were asking. Definately worth a visit.
As we navigate our way through 2024, many of us find ourselves in the new universe post-treatment , having taken strides towards overcoming addiction. This juncture is pivotal; it marks a transition from the pursuit of sobriety to the broader objective of constructing a rewarding existence free from addiction. Our goals are no longer confined…
In the journey of addiction recovery, finding effective strategies to foster positive self-talk and cultivate a healthy mindset is crucial. One such method that can aid in this process is journaling. You can share your ideas, feelings, and experiences pertaining to your recovery path in a safe and confidential setting by journaling. It enables you…
To answer the question, statistics say about R20 billion. But we can’t relate to figures like this. It’s not real. And it offers no solution for drug and alcohol addiction related destructive consequences. So what are the consequences – and what solution can we find to correct the problem and protect your company?
In South Africa, the war on drugs is fought every day in communities where people have been systemically victimised and disadvantaged for a many generations. These communities have been treated so badly over the years that they are almost operated like mini police states as the drug law enforcement and the criminal culture it creates…
Oxazepam is a benzodiazepine medication commonly used to treat anxiety and insomnia. It works by increasing the levels of a neurotransmitter called GABA in the brain, which promotes feelings of calm and relaxation. While benzodiazepines like Oxazepam can be effective in managing symptoms, they can also cause dependence and withdrawal symptoms if they are suddenly…
There are certain predisposing factors which lead people into addiction. Nobody becomes an addict by choice. They get there, due to a broad range of circumstances and scenarios too many to list here completely however here are a few of the more common addiction starters we find in consultation with clients. Invariably the most common…