The WRONG defenses

It happens often that life’s troubles seem to be getting out of hand. And that commonly adopted façade of ‘I am fine’ doesn't hold up. Human beings have marvelous tolerance and their limits can be pretty cavernous. And yet, one fine day it seems like nothing can get better and the end is near. There seem to be deadbolts everywhere with no keys to unlock the path to freedom. Work, home, children, health, accounts, maids, taxes; there is an endless sea filled with ravenous sharks getting to you and you are still fighting, you haven’t let go and you’re still not happy with the way it’s going. If only someone could come in and set things right for you. Solve all the problems and offer you your well-deserved peace…
Build on those defenses
Everyone needs his or her defenses to be strong in order to hold up during the storm. Everybody defends themselves, some do it rightly, others use incorrect techniques. If you use the right barricade, you usually stay safe from troubles. The awareness of mature versus immature strategies is imperative to make the right choice of protection. 
WRONG defenses
These are wrong because they lead to negative outcomes. People use them way too often and they become a way of life. But the commonality and frequency of occurrence doesn't make them justifiable, acceptable or appropriate to adapt.
Worry
Worry is a usual and everyday emotion. It makes you believe in the worst thus motivates you to put in your best. One often (rather always) is weary of the unknown. However baseless worry and excess apprehension deviates one from the focus. Those who use this defense often and know themselves well, recognize that they qualify as ‘worriers’. Worriers never win the battle; ‘warriors’ do. Make the healthy choice for yourself.
Rage
Anger is one’s own personal enemy. It’s a very common tool used to challenge the opponent, not realizing that it is self-defeating. When things don't go your way, getting upset and screeching at someone lets off steam. But rage doesn't help resolve problems, build relationships, win respect or invite friendships. It elevates the blood pressure, makes the heart pound harder, shortens breath and clouds the brainpower. If that wasn't enough, it antagonizes people, draws dislike and fosters disregard. Get hold of your anger before it takes you over.
Oppression
One common modification of the expression of anger (it may qualify as a step better but its still wrong) is repressing it and refraining from the otherwise inevitable outburst. Rage is bad yes, but engulfing and not processing it is worse. It lingers, and the residue paves for resentment that decays from the inside and makes one cynical from the exterior. Stay far from this defense it’s one of the worst.
Negation
The majestic ostrich is singled out because its brain is smaller than its eye. And worse still, because it buries its head underground when it senses danger. If we choose to deny reality, it doesn't change. And do we also have brains smaller than our eyes when we choose to do that? And alongside believe that if we push issues under the carpet there’s some underground tunnel that will extricate them? Avoiding people we have disparities with, putting imperative tasks away, procrastinating, leaving things to the last moment presuming that we will have enhanced zest suddenly to fulfill them; are all perfect illustrations of denial of the key issue with refusal to see it even though it stares you in your face. Deny yourself of this denial.
Giving up
The ideal time to give up is when you stop breathing. And that should be chance, not choice. There is no plea to defend this defense. If there’s a very slim chance of success in an endeavor, the refusal to make that shot confirms the possibility of success to zero. That’s a false and silly move to make. The world does work on probabilities but anything more than zero is still a number and it’s always worth that gamble. There’s always another route, an alternate path, a different strategy that may work. Think out of the box, that’s where the most innovative solutions originate. But don't give up. Make the best of the chances you have. You can’t go wrong all the time. Statistically it doesn't happen that way!