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Learn DBT Skills In A Group
Weekly sessions are available. Grouport offers therapist-led dialectical behavior therapy skills groups online. The first 12 weeks covers fundamental DBT skills.
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Denial is a defense mechanism that allows people to avoid facing uncomfortable truths. It’s something that almost everyone has experienced at some point, whether it’s denying feelings of sadness, refusing to accept responsibility for a mistake, or brushing off harsh realities about our lives. But for some, denial becomes a constant state of existence—an automatic, unconscious response that affects their emotional well-being, relationships, and even their physical health. Living in perpetual denial is more than just occasional avoidance; it’s a lifestyle of evasion, a way to ignore the undeniable truths of one’s own life.
Perpetual denial occurs when someone consistently refuses to acknowledge the reality of a situation, even when the facts are undeniable. It can happen on an individual level or within larger social or familial contexts. While denial in small doses can protect someone from temporary emotional distress, living in a state of constant denial prevents personal growth and healing. It can manifest in many forms, from denying one's emotions, avoiding difficult conversations, or even rejecting the concept of change.
For example, someone who has a drinking problem might deny that it’s affecting their health or relationships. Or a person who is struggling with grief might suppress the pain and pretend everything is normal, convinced that facing their emotions would be too overwhelming. In both cases, the longer denial persists, the harder it becomes to confront the reality of the situation.
Psychologically, denial is a defense mechanism—a way for the mind to protect itself from overwhelming stress. When faced with something too difficult to process, the subconscious mind can block the awareness of the situation altogether. This creates a temporary sense of peace but can result in long-term consequences.
Freud, one of the earliest psychologists to explore defense mechanisms, described denial as a way to keep the person from feeling anxiety about something they aren’t ready to confront. It’s as though the individual builds a protective barrier around a problem, preventing any emotional or cognitive engagement with it.
However, while denial can temporarily ease pain, it doesn’t solve the problem. The truth doesn’t go away simply because it’s ignored, and over time, the emotional and psychological toll can accumulate, creating even more distress. The individual may find themselves trapped in a cycle of avoidance, never truly addressing the issues at hand.
One of the most significant impacts of living in denial is on relationships. Denial often prevents honest communication, which is essential for healthy interactions with others. If someone is unable to acknowledge their own feelings, they are less likely to recognize or understand the emotions of others.
For instance, a partner in a relationship who is in denial about their own actions may fail to understand why their significant other is upset or hurt. They might dismiss concerns as overreactions or refuse to accept responsibility for their part in a conflict. This can lead to frustration, resentment, and emotional distance, creating a toxic dynamic that’s difficult to repair.
Denial can also prevent people from reaching out for help. If someone refuses to admit they need support, whether for mental health issues, substance abuse, or trauma, they may isolate themselves from those who care about them. This isolation can amplify feelings of loneliness and despair, leading to further denial and withdrawal.
Denial doesn’t only affect mental and emotional health—it can also have serious physical consequences. Ignoring signs of illness, avoiding necessary medical care, or denying the risks associated with harmful behaviors (such as smoking or overeating) can worsen health outcomes. People who live in denial about their physical well-being may avoid regular check-ups, ignore symptoms of chronic conditions, or continue engaging in unhealthy behaviors, all of which can lead to more severe health problems.
In extreme cases, denial can even be fatal. For example, someone who refuses to acknowledge the signs of a heart attack may delay seeking emergency medical help, putting their life at risk. Similarly, individuals who deny the effects of a chronic disease like diabetes or cancer may forgo treatment or fail to manage the condition appropriately.
Perpetual denial may seem like a way to avoid pain, but in the long run, it only traps individuals in a cycle of avoidance and unresolved issues. The longer denial persists, the harder it becomes to face reality. It creates a false sense of safety, where the individual clings to the illusion that ignoring the problem is the solution.
Eventually, this can lead to a host of negative emotions—guilt, shame, anxiety, and depression—as the person begins to realize that they can’t keep running from the truth. The fear of facing reality can be overwhelming, but it is often the only path to healing.
Breaking free from perpetual denial requires self-awareness, courage, and a willingness to confront difficult truths. Here are some steps to consider:
Living in perpetual denial may seem like an easy escape from life’s challenges, but it ultimately prevents personal growth and healing. By avoiding reality, we miss the opportunity to understand ourselves, improve our relationships, and take control of our lives. Facing the truth, though difficult, is the first step toward living more authentically and with a greater sense of fulfillment. Breaking free from denial isn’t easy, but it’s a necessary journey if we want to experience true freedom and emotional well-being. It may be time to take a deep breath, step out of the shadows of denial, and start living in the light of truth.
Grouport Therapy provides online group therapy, individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, intensive outpatient program, teen therapy, and a DBT-Self Guided Program. All our sessions are therapist-led, held virtually, and meet over video chat at the same time each week. All our sessions are therapist-led and are held virtually and meet over video chat at the same time each week. For group therapy, we have groups on many topics including Dialectical Behavior Therapy "DBT", Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Anxiety & Depression, Trauma & PTSD, Anger Management, OCD, Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Relationship Issues, Divorce, Narcissistic Abuse, Self-Compassion, Grief & Loss, Parenting, Substance Abuse, Supporting A Loved one with BPD, among others. Each group is led by a licensed therapist that typically has over a decade of experience treating a wide range of specialties, and the group meets at the same time each week for an hour with the same members and therapist.
As reported by our members, 70% experienced significant progress within 8 weeks, including reduced anxiety & depression symptoms.
Our care coordinators can help assist you to craft the perfect treatment plan for you that's tailored to your needs. We provide speedy matches to quality care, and also provide the flexibility to switch your therapist or group at anytime ensuring that you're always meeting with the right therapist fit at a time that's convenient for your schedule. Whatever type of therapy you’re seeking, Grouport offers a range of options to suit your schedule and preferences. Explore our programs to find the support you need. If you need help finding the right type of therapy, schedule a free call with a care coordinator here.
We offer online group therapy, & each group has a personalized program of guidance, support, skills, and advice developed by our therapists.
Space is limited, so reserve your seat today.
