What is Avoidance?
Avoidance is a common reaction to anxiety or discomfort, where people try to escape or prevent
exposure to distressing situations. While it might bring short-term relief, avoidance often
worsens the underlying issue, increasing anxiety and creating a cycle that disrupts daily life.
Avoidance can take many forms, such as dodging social interactions, procrastinating, or
distracting oneself from distressing thoughts. It’s especially common in conditions like social
anxiety disorder, phobias, and PTSD.
Treating avoidance usually involves cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps individuals
gradually face and become less sensitive to the feared situations. This approach reduces
anxiety and builds healthier coping strategies.