Delusion is often seen as a flaw in perception, a misinterpretation of reality. But from a psychological standpoint, delusions can sometimes serve a functional purpose. They are not always about ignorance or arrogance. In many cases, delusions exist to conserve limited mental energy in a complex, overwhelming world.
The brain is a high-efficiency organ. It constantly looks for shortcuts to reduce cognitive load. Every moment, we are bombarded with information — sensory input, social cues, internal thoughts, and external demands. Processing all of this accurately requires enormous energy. To cope, the brain relies on simplifications, assumptions, and selective attention.
This is where delusions can emerge. Not all delusions are extreme or clinical. Some are subtle distortions: the belief that we are more competent than we are, that others are always to blame, or that everything will work out fine without change. These self-serving beliefs protect the brain from the mental exhaustion of confronting uncomfortable truths.
Psychologists refer to this as motivated reasoning. We unconsciously prioritize interpretations that align with our desires, fears, or identity. It’s not laziness — it’s conservation. The more honest path often requires emotional labor, critical thought, and uncertainty. Delusions offer a cognitive shortcut. They simplify what would otherwise be too mentally taxing to face.
Cognitive dissonance also plays a role. When our beliefs and actions conflict, it creates psychological tension. Resolving that tension through behavioral change is difficult and resource-intensive. So instead, the brain may change the belief, even irrationally, to reduce stress with less effort.
In situations of stress, trauma, or burnout, delusional thinking becomes even more likely. The brain shifts from analysis to protection. Believing that a situation isn’t that bad, or that we’re handling it just fine, can help us function day to day, even if it means distancing ourselves from reality.
The trade-off is that while delusions protect us in the short term, they can hinder long-term growth. Avoiding the truth may save energy now, but it can lead to poor decisions, strained relationships, or eventual collapse when reality forces its way in.
Still, the tendency to be delusional is not a sign of failure. It’s a reflection of the brain’s survival strategy. The key is to develop awareness of when we might be shielding ourselves from difficult truths and gently challenge those distortions without overwhelming our system. This balance allows us to conserve energy while still engaging with reality in a meaningful way.
In the end, delusions are often the mind’s way of saying it’s tired, scared, or overworked. By recognizing that, we can respond with curiosity instead of judgment — and choose clarity when we have the strength to face it.
