Freudian Defense Mechanisms

Freudian defense mechanisms are unconscious strategies our minds use to protect us from anxiety or emotional distress. They help us cope with difficult feelings or thoughts by distorting reality or pushing uncomfortable thoughts out of awareness. Examples include denial (refusing to accept facts), rationalization (justifying actions with logical reasons), and repression (blocking distressing memories). These mechanisms operate automatically and help maintain psychological balance, but overreliance on them can prevent us from confronting issues directly and may hinder emotional growth.