DEFENSE MECHANISMS: WAYS OF ADJUSTING WITH LIFE STRESS

Stress, from whatever source, calls for adjustment. When our needs and desires are frustrated, we attempt to remove the obstacles between ourselves and our goal or give-up our goal. When we are threatened, we try to eliminate the source of the threat- either by attacking it or by escaping from it. In self-defense, we make efforts to avoid the conflict .In many situations the most effective solution is to withdraw ourselves. We can deal with it through avoidance behavior and escape ourselves. We use defense mechanisms to deal with them. We use such mechanisms to distance ourselves from unpleasant feelings. Defense mechanisms are the psychological strategies to maintain balance and inner peace as well as to cope with the reality. It enables an individual to resolve conflict and reduce his stress and anxiety.