Make a list of the defense mechanisms proposed by Freud. For each mechanism, give an example from your own life or someone you know who has used the defense mechanism to reduce or avoid anxiety.

Sure, here is a list of defense mechanisms proposed by Freud:

1. Repression: This is when a person unconsciously pushes unwanted thoughts or memories out of their consciousness. An example of this could be someone who experienced a traumatic event in their childhood and has no memory of it as an adult.

2. Denial: This is when a person refuses to accept the reality of a situation. For example, someone who is in denial about their alcoholism may insist that they don't have a problem, despite evidence to the contrary.

3. Projection: This is when a person attributes their own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to someone else. An example of this could be someone who is jealous of a friend's success, but accuses the friend of being jealous instead.

4. Displacement: This is when a person redirects their emotions from a threatening target to a less threatening one. For example, someone who is angry at their boss may come home and take out their frustration on their family.

5. Rationalization: This is when a person creates logical explanations for their behavior in order to avoid facing the true reasons. An example of this could be someone who justifies their excessive spending by telling themselves they deserve to treat themselves.

6. Sublimation: This is when a person channels their unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable activities. For example, someone with aggressive tendencies may become a successful athlete, using their physical energy in a positive way.

These defense mechanisms are often used unconsciously to reduce or avoid anxiety, and can have both positive and negative effects on a person's mental health.