At times everyone uses defense mechanisms, which are strategies to deal with stressful situations. Defense mechanisms contribute to emotional health by providing relief from anxiety and helping someone cope with problems. However, too much dependence on them can lead to avoidance in facing the problems of day-to-day life. The following are common defense mechanisms.

• Denial- Refusal to accept reality. Carol's pet dog has died. She had the dog since she was a small child. Carol refuses to accept the dog's death. She refuses to talk about it and continues to act as if her dog is alive.
  
• Escape, or fantasy- Running away from a problem through daydreams, books, and excessive sleep. Jim has failed to make the basketball team. He imagines that he is suffering from some hidden physical problem. When others find out about his problem, they will view his effort to make the basketball team as a success, rather than as a failure.
  
• Rationalization- An attempt to justify one's actions with an excuse rather than by admitting one's failure or mistake. Anne justifies flunking her math test because she was absent the day it was scheduled.
  
• Projection- An attempt to protect one's self-esteem by blaming unpleasant feelings or inappropriate actions on others. Getting poor grades and blaming it on the teacher's dislike for you is an example of evading personal responsibility.
  
• Repression- Blocking out thoughts about unpleasant things or experiences- forgetting on purpose. Repression is actually an unconscious method of escaping something unpleasant. You may have chores to do this weekend while your parents are away. You simply do not think about any of your responsibilities so that you can enjoy your weekend of fun with friends.
  
• Identification- Acting like or modeling one's behavior after a person one likes. Identification is a form of hero worship. However, it can take another form. People who have had a similar achievement or experience may identify with one another, sharing in something they all have in common.
  
• Displacement- Expressing feelings toward someone or something not associated with the source of the feelings. Suzanna is upset because she did not get picked for the team. When her sister greets her at home, Suzanna gives her a shove, says "Leave me alone," and slams the door to her room.
  
• Regression- Retreating to an earlier time that seems less threatening and requires less responsibility. Paul is having trouble adjusting to high school, with its challenges, greater number of students, and new atmosphere. He goes back and visits his former teachers and principal in junior high school, and entertains the idea that it would be nice to stay there.
  
• Compensation- An attempt to make up for something one did not have, or did not receive. Paul is not very good at basketball, but he is a first-rate swimmer.
  
• Sublimation- Transforming unacceptable behaviors into acceptable ones. Sublimation can involve redirecting specific behaviors. Jack is always fighting with people. He redirects this energy as a member of the wrestling team.