Denial: When it helps, when it hurts - Mayo Clinic

Denial: When it helps, when it hurts - Mayo Clinic

Refuse to acknowledge a stressful problem or situation

Avoid facing the facts of the situation

Minimize the consequences of the situation

In its strictest sense, denial is an unconscious process. You don't generally decide to be in denial about something. But some research suggests that denial might have a conscious component — on some level, you might choose to be in denial.

Common reasons for denial

You can be in denial about anything that makes you feel vulnerable or threatens your sense of control, such as:

• A chronic or terminal illness
• Depression or other mental health conditions
• Addiction
• Financial problems
• Job difficulties
• Relationship conflicts
• Traumatic events