Idealization  is the act of viewing someone or something as perfect—or far more perfect than it really is. In psychological terms, idealization is a defense mechanism that helps a person cope with discomfort, insecurity, or unmet emotional needs. It is closely related to fantasy , which we discussed earlier, because both involve escaping reality and replacing it with a more comforting internal picture. While idealization may feel positive at first, it often creates patterns t

Mania  is an excitement of psychotic proportions that shows itself through mental and physical hyperactivity, disorganization of behavior, and an elevated mood that feels impossible to slow down. In the realm of emotional and spiritual growth, mania is not always the clinical diagnosis we hear about in psychiatry. Sometimes it shows up in subtle, everyday ways — especially among people who are trying hard not  to need anything. Many people stay intensely busy because slowing

Reaction formation  is a defense mechanism in which a person behaves in the exact opposite  way of what they truly feel, want, or need. It’s not usually intentional — it is an unconscious strategy the mind uses to protect itself from feelings that feel dangerous, shameful, or too vulnerable to acknowledge. What Reaction Formation Looks Like Someone who feels deeply lonely may present themselves as fiercely independent.S omeone who longs for connection may preach against “need