Facing What We Hide: Defense Mechanisms That Distance Us from Ourselves

Sometimes, what hurts the most is what we don’t even realize we’re feeling. These four defense mechanisms — denial, repression, rationalization, and projection — work quietly beneath the surface to help us avoid pain, guilt, or fear. But while they protect us, they also distance us from the truth of what’s really going on inside.

In this post, I’ve gathered four in-depth self-reflection worksheets to help you recognize and gently examine the ways you might be pushing feelings away, justifying them, or seeing them reflected in others.

These aren’t tools for judgment — they’re invitations to understanding. When we become aware of our defense mechanisms, we take the first step toward emotional honesty and healthier coping.

To explore the second set of mechanisms — including sublimation, humor, and more — click here.