Psychological defense refers to the mental mechanisms that we use to protect ourselves from distressing thoughts, feelings, and experiences. There are a variety of synonyms for psychological defense, such as coping mechanisms, defense mechanisms, adaptive strategies, and emotional regulation. Coping mechanisms refer to the ways we manage stress, whether it be through exercise, therapy, or social support. Defense mechanisms describes the unconscious ways we protect ourselves from psychological pain, such as denial, repression, and projection. Adaptive strategies refer to the healthy methods we use to cope with stress, including problem-solving and mindfulness. Emotional regulation encompasses the ability to manage and express feelings in a healthy and constructive way.