What Are the Symptoms of Denial & Stress?

Denial is a defense mechanism that people use when they cannot handle or don't want to deal with reality. Stress is one of the results of denial left untreated. Facts usually do not change, no matter how hard a person wishes that the problem would just go away. Problems tend to mount and build, resulting in even more challenges that demand attention.

Anger

• One of the symptoms of denial and stress is inappropriate anger, which can turn to rage.

Depression

• Feelings of worthlessness and lack of confidence result when denial and stress go on for any length of time.

Immaturity

• Denial often is expressed through immature behavior, which can leave a person incapable of dealing with life's responsibilities.

Hypertension

• High blood pressure results from prolonged periods of stress and denying the issues that are causing the stress.

Addiction

• Often a person who relies on denial to cope turns to drugs, alcohol, food, gambling or other addictive behaviors to deal with the stress.