3/30/2025
How do we protect ourselves from overwhelm, stress, or anxiety? Our brains have developed psychological strategies, known as “defense mechanisms,” that are unconsciously used to protect us from anxiety, arising from unacceptable thoughts or feelings that we might have.
In the late 19th century and early 20th century, psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud first developed the idea of defense mechanisms. He said that defense mechanisms involve a distortion of reality, so that we are better able to cope with a situation. He initially produced seven mechanisms: denial, displacement, projection, rationalization, reaction formation, repression, and sublimation.
Freud believed that defense mechanisms helped shield the ego from the conflicts created by the id, superego, and reality. Freud proposed that the human psyche is composed of three parts: the id (primitive instincts), the ego (the rational self), and the superego (the moral conscience). Psychological distress occurs from conflicts between these three components.
Anna Freud, a psychoanalyst in her own right, built upon her father’s ideas. Freud focused on the ego’s role in managing conflict and anxiety. She authored the book The Ego and the Mechanisms of Defense, which was published in 1936. This book is considered a landmark work in psychoanalytic theory, providing a systematic exploration of these mechanisms.
“Defense mechanisms are subconscious strategies our mind employs to protect us from emotional harm or unpleasant truths, potentially creating blind spots in our self-awareness and understanding,” wrote Anna Freud.
Many of the mental defense mechanisms we develop are used to protect ourselves from anxiety, stress, or overwhelming emotions. According to several online sources, denial is the most often used as humans.
“Defense mechanisms are subconscious strategies our mind employs to protect us from emotional harm or unpleasant truths, potentially creating blind spots in our self-awareness and understanding,” wrote Anna Freud.
Here are some examples of other defense mechanisms used:
- Someone who consistently blames their partner for their own shortcomings might be using projection.
- A person who avoids discussing a traumatic event might be using repression.
- Someone who becomes overly focused on details to avoid emotional distress might be using intellectualization.
When I get stressed or anxious, I tend to take out my frustration on my spouse. I am snippy or sarcastic to avoid the real reason that I am upset. Sometimes I avoid a topic as it is too sensitive to a subject that makes me uncomfortable and vulnerable. Admittedly, I have not figured out yet what to do instead. My husband describes me as an onion, he must peel back many layers of emotion before he gets to the core of my true angst. I know I have a long way to go in some areas.
The human brain does this so to distance itself from unwanted feelings and threats, such as guilt or shame according to Sun Behavioral Delaware.
According to website Psychotricks.com, it is important and crucial that we understand the defense mechanisms that we use to increase our self-awareness and growth.
How do you recognize the use of defense mechanisms in yourself? Pay attention to your behavior. Notice where there are patterns when you get upset.
Ask yourself and keep in mind:
- Do you make excuses for your behavior?
- Do you avoid topics of conversation?
- Do you take out your frustration on your spouse after a distressing day?
- Do you deny an event happening or minimize its impact since it is difficult to talk about?
Our use of denial, repression, and projection, for example, may help protect ourselves from difficult feelings, situations, or events; but only offers temporary relief. However, mental health professionals have indicated that long term use is detrimental to our mental health, hinders our growth, and impacts our relationships, as well as our communication.
Resources:
Image Retrieved on 3/30/2025 from https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/top-view-people-head-shapes-cogwheels_25629260.htm#fromView
California Learning Resource Network (CLRN) “What is a blind spot in psychology?” 11/18/2024. Retrieved on 3/12/2025 from What is a blind spot in psychology? –
Contemporary Psychology. “Freud’s Defense Mechanisms.” Retrieved on 3/21/2025 from https://www.contemporarypsychology.com.au/freuds-defence-mechanisms/#:~:text=Meaning%20of%20Defence%20Mechanisms%20Freud
Denys, A “Decoding Defense Mechanisms: How Your Mind Protects Itself.” 12/25/2024.Psycho Tricks. Retrieved on 3/21/2025 from https://psychotricks.com/defense-mechanisms/
Kelland, Mark D. “Anna Freud and Ego Psychology.” Retrieved on 3/21/2025 https://socialsci.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Psychology/Culture_and_Community/Personality_Theory_in_a_Cultural_Context
Wikipedia. Retrieved on 3/21/2025 from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sigmund_Freud
Mistry LN, Neelkanthan S, Deshpande SS, Jawdekar AM, Shah PP, Khachane NA. Matters of the Mind: A Look into the Life of Sigmund Freud. Cureus. 2024 Oct 15;16(10): e71562. doi: 10.7759/cureus.71562. PMID: 39552960; PMCID: PMC11563769.Retrieved on 3/21/2025 from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11563769/
Psych2Go. “Ten Psychological Defense Mechanisms” Video. Retrieved on 3/21/2025 from 10 Psychological Defense Mechanisms
Social Neuro. “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Freud but Were Afraid to Ask.” Retrieved on 3/21/2025 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=PAxafcn_SWg
Tan, Dr. Emily. Uncovering the Meaning of Blind Spots in Psychology.Retrieved on 3/21/2025 from Uncovering the Meaning of Blind Spots in Psychology – Listen-Hard
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