What might a person feel during the denial stage of depression after injury?

During the denial stage of depression after an injury, a person might refuse to believe that the injury actually occurred. This reaction is a common psychological defense mechanism where the individual struggles to accept the reality of their situation. Denial serves as a buffer against the initial shock of the injury, allowing the person to cope with their circumstances gradually.

In this phase, individuals may minimize the severity of their condition, convince themselves that they will recover quickly, or even dismiss the diagnosis altogether. This response can be protective, keeping intense emotions like sadness or anxiety at bay while they process the situation.

Acceptance of the injury, extreme sadness, and relief represent responses that typically occur at different stages of emotional processing rather than denial. Understanding these stages can help in managing emotional responses and support for recovery following an injury.