6 Self-Defense Mechanisms You Aren't Even Aware Of

Nature has some very incredible protection mechanisms. To make a covert getaway, sea slugs spray out their own intestines. Birds ruffle their feathers, such as peacocks and turkeys. Small creatures, such as bugs and frogs, carry poisons and colors on their backs to frighten off predators—or to punish stubborn ones. When it comes to people, however, you may be employing certain protective mechanisms that you are unaware of.

#1: Denial:

Sometimes an event or condition is so painful that we just tune it out and don't even realize it. When other people bring something to your attention, you may become conscious of your denial.

#2: Repression

Similar to denial, repression involves concealing an idea or sensation deep inside, where it tends to manifest itself in different ways. For example, if you are enraged with your boss and are unable to vent your rage at work, you may become caustic and angry at home.

#3: Projection

It's frequently easier to disregard our own flaws and believe that they belong to someone else. Projection is the act of seeing something terrible in other individuals that may or may not exist (such as a negative character characteristic) while, in fact, you are expressing that same feature.

#4: Rationalization

This involves taking a wrongdoing (by you on others or by others on you) and rationalizing it as acceptable. To work this one into the universe in an acceptable fashion, you'll need to invent a complex new logic system, but all kinds of crime, from embezzlement to genocide, have been justified as acceptable.

#5: Regression

Regression entails taking a developmental step back to a physically or emotionally secure place. Children frequently regress as they grow older, reverting to the behavior of a younger child. Adults may also go through this procedure. For example, if you are fired from a job, you may retreat to the safety net of looking for a comparably paying employment rather than striving for something better.

#6: Reaction

Our basic impulses sometimes take over, and we prepare to battle. In situations where you don't have much time, you can quickly jump into a reactionary mood before reflecting and calming down...for example, if someone cuts you off in traffic, you could develop road rage; or, if someone argues with you at work, you could quickly defend yourself by escalating the situation into a shouting match.