We all have a tendency to avoid. We avoid people, places, and situations we don’t like because, for some reason, these things irritate us or cause us pain. We can reduce our stress naturally and healthily by avoiding situations, people, and places that we don’t like.
Stress is something that no one enjoys. Therefore, it makes sense to use self-protective strategies to avoid stressful situations. While it may seem reasonable to maintain calm and prevent stress, it can actually cause more harm than good.
As a coping mechanism, avoidance behavior can help you to be more empowered. You feel a false sense control, and it makes you feel good. But, avoiding problems is not the solution.
It can also lead to harmful coping mechanisms like substance abuse and isolation. This can create a vicious cycle of avoidance which increases stress, creates anxiety, and reinforces depression.[1]
The Cycle of Avoidance
Avoidance behaviors are self-destructive if used to avoid difficult thoughts, feelings, situations, or conversations. We avoid the pain that we have to face and the actions we need to take to end the avoidant behavior.
Avoidance is a natural way to cope with trauma and pain
