Aim: How can we cope with stress in our everyday lives? (continued)

Notes: Defense mechanisms: Unconscious coping strategies: the ways that people defend themselves against difficult feelings or emotions. Each defense mechanism involves a little bit of “fooling yourself.” By twisting the reality of the situation in your mind, it becomes easier to accept. Fooling yourself in this way allows you to put off dealing with the problem and the emotions it causes. You experience a feeling of temporary relief and can think through the problem with a clear mind.
Can be helpful coping strategies when used in moderation.
Can be hurtful to emotional growth when overused, as a person may become too dependent on defense mechanisms and may not learn to express true feelings, or confront problems.