Denial can ruin your life if what you are denying impedes your happiness, causes you sadness, and generally creates an unhealthy and unproductive life and relationship. Denial is a defense mechanism that in a temporary use can help you gather your thoughts, gain perspective, and monitor the issues that are causing you alarm. But long-term denial can ruin your life or make your life tougher than it needs to be. Self-compassion is your ticket out of denial and into making choices that are kinder and more productive for the best life you can live.