whare are defence mechanisms

• • The constant disagreements between the Id, the Ego and the Superego can lead to a lot of anxiety ​
  • E.g. Your want a bar of chocolate, but you know you’re meant to be eating healthily. You feel guilty if you have it, but unsatisfied if you don’t – anxiety either way! ​
• • The mind/Ego develops various methods of defending itself, known as “defence mechanisms” – e.g.: you tell yourself that it’s okay to eat the chocolate because you’ve heard on social media that eating chocolate is healthy (a defence mechanism called “rationalisation”). ​
• • We all use defence mechanisms on a regular basis – it’s not abnormal, as we all experience anxiety and negative thoughts, feelings, emotions, etc. ​
  • Defence mechanisms are used unconsciously – we aren’t aware of what we’re doing​
• • These ensure that the Ego can prevent us from being overwhelmed by anxiety, threats or trauma​
  • However, if we overuse them, they can lead to abnormal behaviour, strong negative thoughts, feelings, emotions, and negative mental health.​
• • Psychoanalysis therapy identifies defence mechanisms and uncover what’s behind them