defense mechanisms.

The two defense mechanisms that I find myself using most are repression and denial. Both of these mechanisms somewhat go hand in hand because it causes the refusal of experiencing or forgetting to experience painful memories. Whenever things become to difficult for me to handle, I simply block them completely out of my mind because it is easier for me to not focus my thoughts on what is bothering me. Also, when I encounter an emotional topic that I do not feel like enduring, I also find myself repressing my emotions since I do not want to deal with it. I also deny the emotions I feel for people sometimes since I do not want to be too attached for when I wind up losing them someday.

One of the most reoccurring situations in my life in which I utilize repression is when my parents have brought up college recently. I will not want to entertain the topic simply because it will evoke emotions that I do not want to feel. When I do think about going away to college it does make me sad because I will not be with my family as much and that is exactly why I avoid talking about it. In addition, whenever there are family conflicts I usually do not want to talk about them since it evokes frustration, anger and sadness. The easiest way for me to handle uncomfortable or sad situations is by pushing it into my unconscious mind.

Denial is also very prevalent in my life when it comes to stressful situations or with emotions that I may have for boys. Whenever I find myself liking a boy I always deny how much I like them so that I do not get hurt if he does not feel the same way or if it winds up not working out. Also, whenever I have a lot of homework, I always deny the fact that it is a heavy load since I want to be able to handle it and not stress out about it too much. Overall, denial and repression are the two most prevalent defense mechanisms that make up the person I am today.