How to Overcome Denial and Seek Help
Have you ever had to deal with something so overwhelming that you didn’t want to face it at all? Denial is a natural response to events or situations that are profound or too much to handle. For example, the loss of a spouse can flood your whole being with emotions that may be too much to cope with. Denial is the body’s way of letting you process the death by allowing in as much or as little as you can handle.
Yet, while some forms of denial can be ways to preserve your emotional well-being, others can be harmful. One example is denying that you have a substance or alcohol use problem.
Understanding Denial
Denial is a psychological defense mechanism that helps you cope with stress, trauma, or anxiety. The refusal to accept or downplaying an unpleasant truth or situation may provide short-term help, but it does have consequences. Common forms of denial include:
- Psychological: A person diagnosed with a serious illness, like cancer, may refuse to acknowledge the diagnosis. In some cases, they may downplay the severity to help themselves or those around them cope with the reality of the disease.
- Grief: It is normal to feel or think that the loss of a loved one isn’t real. The denial is a part of the grieving process.
- Relationships: A person in an abusive or troubled relationship may refuse to accept the warning signs or place blame on their partner for some or all of the problems.
- Addiction: An individual with a substance use disorder (SUD) might downplay their use or see it as a problem.
The use of denial can be to protect an individual from pain or trauma, a way to reduce anxiety, or stigma. At Renaissance Ranch, we take a deep look into why denial is used to help you heal. Our mental health professionals will also guide you to understand denial.
When Does Denial Become Harmful?
The deeper you are in the state of denial, the more difficult it becomes to get out of it. When you live in a constant state of denial about a specific situation, you experience short-term consequences like:
- Anxiety
- Isolation
- Sadness
- Undermine memory
The use of denial can stop you from working through your issue and leave you feeling “stuck.” Additionally, it can prevent you from seeking help for problems like SUD.
The Role of Denial in Recovery
When you use denial as a defense or a way to avoid the truth of a situation, like SUD, you put up a barrier between you and getting help. The inability to face and cope with an issue like a mental health or SUD builds powerful walls that avert the harmful effects of addiction. By keeping the impact of a SUD at bay, a sense of “false self” is created. The creation of a false self prevents you from seeking treatment.
Denial of SUD also stops an individual from recognizing and understanding the effects of their addiction on family, friends, and others.
When to Seek Help
Knowing when to reach out to someone to help you overcome your denial can be challenging. How do you know when your denial is a problem? Here are a few signs that denial is an issue:
- Risky behaviors
- Substance abuse
- Self-harm
- Suicidal thoughts
- Disruption in daily life
- Relationship issues
- Decline in mental health
Another way to find out if you need help is to ask yourself these questions:
- How much time do you spend wishing a situation like drinking or using a substance hadn’t happened?
- Do you refuse to accept the circumstances or consequences linked to your SUD?
How to Talk About Your Substance Use Disorder
The decision to talk about your SUD is brave. Choosing who to talk to can be a difficult decision. Consider who is supportive and won’t judge you when you start the conversation. Some tips to talk about your SUD include:
- Use “I” statements
- Acknowledge the effects it’s had on you
- Don’t make excuses or place blame
- Ask for help
Taking the First Step to Recovery
The first step to recovery is admitting you have a SUD issue. Once you have done this, you may wonder what the next steps are. One of them is finding help at a treatment center that treats you, not the symptoms.
Finding Help at Renaissance Ranch
Renaissance Ranch uses evidence-based treatments that can help you break through your denial and begin your substance addiction recovery journey. Our therapists will guide you in creating a treatment plan that reflects your unique needs in a stigma-free space. Open, honest discussion in individual and group therapy will aid you in discovering your strengths as well as healthy coping skills.
The bonds you form with fellow group members can continue through our Band of Brothers alumni group. Here you will find friendship and a common goal of maintaining sobriety through brotherhood.
Denial is a protective response to overwhelming events or experiences. It allows you time to process the realities of a situation or traumatic event. However, using denial to ignore a reality like substance use disorder has adverse short and long-term effects. One of the effects is stopping you from acknowledging the truth about your substance use and its impact on you and those around you. Prolonged denial can leave you feeling stuck and worsen your SUD. At Renaissance Ranch, we support your decision to face your SUD. Our faith-based approach provides a safe place to discuss your feelings and experiences. We’re here for you when you’re ready to take the first step to a fulfilling life. Contact us at (801) 308-8898.