Mental Health & Defense Mechanisms
Addiction & Defense Mechanisms
Why Do We Do It?
Healthier Alternatives
True or False
100
Someone with PTSD insists, "I'm fine," even though they're avoiding places and conversations that remind them of a traumatic event.
Answer: What is Denial?
Bonus for 100 points: Why might someone deny or minimize trauma?
100
A person continues experiencing consequences from their substance use but insists, "I don't have a problem—I could quit anytime I wanted."
100
True or False:
Defense mechanisms are usually unconscious attempts to protect us from emotional pain.
Answer: True.
100
Instead of taking your anger out on someone else, what is one healthy way to cope?
Possible Answers:
- Talk to the person directly.
- Exercise.
- Journal.
- Deep breathing.
- Take a walk.
100
Everyone uses defense mechanisms sometimes.
200
A person with depression tells themselves, "I'm just lazy," instead of recognizing they may be experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.
Answer: What is Rationalization?
Bonus for 100 points: How can stigma cause people to explain away symptoms instead of seeking help?
200
Someone says, "I only drink because I'm stressed. If life weren't so hard, I wouldn't need it."
Answer: What is Rationalization?
Guy doesn't know difference between rationalization and Denial:
https://www.tiktok.com/@thesoberplug/video/7277656704697781546?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
200
Why might someone use displacement instead of confronting the person they're actually upset with?
Answer: Because confronting the original person feels unsafe, intimidating, or risky.
200
What question can you ask yourself to reduce projection?
Answer: "Is this really about them, or could part of this be about me?"
200
Reaction Formation means showing the exact opposite emotion from what you're actually feeling.
300
Someone who feels angry and overwhelmed at work comes home and yells at their family over something small.
Answer: What is Displacement?
Bonus for 100 Points: Why is anger often expressed toward "safe" people instead of the real source?
300
A person frequently criticizes others for drinking too much, saying, "Everyone else drinks way more than I do," while avoiding looking at their own use.
300
Why does projection happen?
Answer: Accepting the feeling in ourselves creates discomfort, so we unconsciously see it in someone else instead.
300
If you're pretending you aren't hurt, what healthy skill could replace reaction formation?
Answer: Identifying and expressing your true emotions honestly.
300
Denial means someone is intentionally lying.
False.
(They often genuinely cannot accept the reality yet.)
400
A person with Borderline Personality Disorder is terrified that a friend is going to leave them. Instead of admitting they're afraid, they become angry, push the friend away, and say, "I never cared about you anyway."
Answer: What is Reaction Formation?
Bonus for 100 points each:
1. How can fear sometimes look like anger?
2. Why might people push others away before they can be hurt?
400
A client jokes, rolls their eyes, and says treatment is "stupid" and that they don't care about getting better, but privately admits they're afraid of failing.
Answer: What is Reaction Formation?
https://www.tiktok.com/@drpriaphd/video/7210838599514787115?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
400
Which defense mechanism is especially common during addiction because admitting reality feels overwhelming?
400
Instead of making excuses for unhealthy behavior, what recovery skill can you practice?
Answer: Radical honesty, accountability, or accepting responsibility.
400
Projection means blaming other people for your own unwanted thoughts, feelings, or behaviors.
500
A person with Bipolar Disorder stops taking their medication during a manic episode because they believe they're "completely cured" and don't need treatment anymore.
Answer: What is Denial?
Bonus 100 points each:
1. Why might insight be difficult during mania?
2. Why is having a support system important?
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dac5KvoMjtk/?igsh=MWQzMjZkejF4Z2M5MA%3D%3D
500
After a relapse, someone says, "What's the point? I'll never change," stops trying, and expects others to solve their recovery for them.
Answer: What is Regression?
https://www.facebook.com/Tyla/videos/kid-crying-and-dancing/2971357662906318/
500
What emotion is rationalization most often trying to reduce?
500
Name one skill that can reduce regression during stressful situations.
Possible Answers:
- Emotion regulation
- Distress tolerance
- Problem-solving
- Asking for support appropriately
- Mindfulness
500
The goal of therapy is to eliminate all defense mechanisms.
Answer: False.
(The goal is to become aware of them and choose healthier coping strategies when needed.)