Denial Is A Survival Instinct!

Denial vs positivity; what is the difference and why does it matter?

While it may seem obvious to many of you, denial is actually a pretty subtle and often hidden aspect of our subconscious. Denial is a force all its own and often asserts itself in response to sadness, depression and grief; among other things.

One of things that might tip you off to denial is when you start feeling some negativity or sarcasm around positive mindset memes and affirmations.

You may even find yourself feeling a little bit confused as to why you are getting such a bad reaction to what is supposed to boost joyfulness and positivity!

When you tell yourself that you want to see the glass half full instead of half empty?

In some situations it makes you feel good.

While at other times, it makes you feel unsure of yourself or even bad. 

The reason you might feel bad when you try to see the glass half full is that maybe there is some denial standing between you and positivity.

So right now, imagine the glass half full. How does it make you feel?

Is it possible that denial may be interfering with your ability to enjoy seeing the glass half full?

Denial is mainly a failure to acknowledge the problem that is causing those negative emotions. 

On the other hand, denial can be a useful survival technique. 

For example, If something traumatic happens, you may find yourself using denial to put some distance between you and the horrific event. 

This gives you some time and space to adapt and begin to accept the situation as it is. 

In this situation,  a short period of denial can sometimes be useful.

We’ve all been there and if we haven’t, unfortunately we will. 

Denial is when you hear yourself saying, “everything is fine, this problem does not exist, and I refuse to think about it. I am just going to be happy”.

This kind of attitude actually creates stress and anxiety because underneath that denial, you know the problem is still there.

When you cover up your problems with denial, there is an inner voice that begins trying to get your attention. 

This is where the stress and anxiety can really begin to make your moods swing like crazy!

Image by FelixMittermeier from Pixabay

You may find yourself feeling very negative and even sarcastic about the positivity flooding your news feed!

Something else to consider is that the vast majority of problems can be solved if you take the time to work through them. 

I get that there isn’t always time to immediately deal with every problem that comes up. But it only takes a minute to write the problem down on a list with the intention of dealing with it. 

Schedule some problem solving time every day. Even if it’s only 10 minutes to scribble down some potential solutions! In this way, you are going to neutralize denial and give yourself a sense of empowerment.

There will always be a percentage of problems that don’t have a solution for keeping you in your comfort zone.

It is then necessary to take that positive step of adapting to the circumstance that cannot be changed. 

Isolate the unsolvable aspects of the problem. Then, begin brainstorming solutions for the parts that you have some control over. This simple action will begin to generate self confidence. It allows you to make a plan and follow through to a solution!

This is what gives positive mindset it’s immense power!

With a positive mindset, even traumatic events have a lot less of an impact on you. 

This is because the very first step in developing and maintaining a positive mindset is to acknowledge the bad thing.  

Whether it’s a negative emotion, bad event or a problem that we are facing. 

Whatever it is, denial will never lead to the solution!