This is how dangerous denial is for your mental health

This is how dangerous denial is for your mental healthThis is how dangerous denial is for your mental healthAlmost all of us have had experiences so uncomfortable or traumatizing that we do everything in our power to push the memories or feelings aside. Or maybe there is an everyday reality we live with that feels too impossible to cope with, so we pretend it doesnt exist, and that dealing with it is not our responsibility. That is denial.The state of denial usually feels much mora comfortable than confronting difficult feelings or circumstances. But anyone in the mental health field will tell you that living in denial for too long will only backfire. Denial may feel easier, but it actually only intensifies whatever challenging feelings you are dealing with, making them mora difficult to move on from.Can Denial Ever Be Helpful?Is there ever an amount of denial that is acceptable? Could it, in some circumstances, be protective and possibly useful as you navigate troubled times in your life?Rachel ONeill, Ph.D., professional clinical counselor andTalkspace therapist, says that theremaybe circumstances where this is the case, but denial is only every helpful in very limited quantities and lengths of time.Denial is a defense mechanism and it exists to help us cope with difficult situations, ONeill explains. Its never really helpful per se, because, eventually, an individual will need to face the reality of their situation.However, in some particular instances liketraumatizing events, denial may allow someone to keep a distance from the trauma until they are able to tackle it. Even then, denial is only helpful for very brief periods. Eventually, it becomes necessary to work on finding the space to accept the circumstances of the situation, says ONeill.The Problem With Living in DenialSo whats so problematic about denial, and why should we all learn how to confront and accept the most difficult feelings and events we experience?Avoiding the reality of a situation can be more harmful than whatever painful feelings are wrapped up in it, says ONeill. It may feel more comfortable to pull away from the hard things, but what happens in reality is that the more you distance yourself, the deeper you plunge - usually without even knowing it.In other words, the more entrenched you get in denial, the harder it can be to pull yourself from it, says ONeill.People who live in a state of denial will experience short-term consequences like feelings of isolation, anxiety, and sadness. Long-term consequences can include the feeling that you have never worked through your experience, and you may end up feeling perpetually stuck in it, ONeill explains.How To Conquer DenialIts pretty clear that denial is not a good place to remain, and that it should be avoided whenever possible. The problem is, because of the nature of denial and how prevalent it is, you may not even be aware that you are experiencing itIts the ultimate Catch-22. How can you stop being in denial if you dont know that you are in denial in the first place?Usually its someone outside your life who can point out that you are in a place of denial. It might be a friend or atherapistwho points out the ways in which youre using denial to cope with a situation, says ONeill.It goes without saying, if you are unable to cope with your feelings about an experience, finding a therapist you can trust is an excellent place for you to start.Confiding in close friends or family membersis helpful as well.Denial self-checksAdditionally, ONeill suggests that you can do a periodic self-checks with yourself to see if denial is getting the better of you. This can include asking yourself questions likeDo you spend a lot of time wishing the situation hadnt happened or had turned out differently?Do you find yourself refusing to accept a circumstance even through the circumstance is in fact a reality?If the answer to either or both of these questions is affirmative, ONeill suggest that this is a time where you should consider exploring the ways that your state of denial may be impacting your life or ability to recover.Living in Denial Doesnt Have to be PermanentIf the circumstances that led you to denial are particularly traumatizing, you should certainly consider seeking professional help. However you work through this, be gentle with yourself.Remember that as hard as it will be, it will be freeing and healing to unearth the buried feelings. And you will end up feeling better and stronger in the long-run.This article was originally published on Talkspace.