The avoidance strategies that sabotage our daily lives

We are able to avoid confronting our concerns by employing this strategy of resistance. However, this method, which is frequently unconscious, ultimately works against us, despite the fact that it appears to be protective.

Avoidances, which are a form of resistance that enables us to avoid confronting our fears, can be found in both substantial and insignificant forms. A number of phobias, such as claustrophobia, agoraphobia, social phobias, and others, are linked to the first category.

If flying makes me anxious, I'll take the train instead of flying. When I am terrified of lifts, I will choose to use the stairs instead. Because we are aware of the reasons why we do not engage in certain behaviours, we are aware of the fear that we are attempting to escape.

I "forgot" to check the balance of my bank account once more.
Small, everyday avoidances, on the other hand, are more insidious because, the majority of the time, we aren't even aware that we are doing them.

I 'forgot' to check my money balance once more, to answer to that invitation, and to schedule that appointment with the doctor. Damn it. Or it's possible that I "didn't have time."

To be clear, neither our agenda nor our memory are in issue, nor is it even our conscious intention that is being called into question. In order to avoid confronting a fear, our unconscious mind employs a method, which may be described as a sort of magical thinking at the same time.

In spite of the fact that it might take a very long time and be very challenging to conquer a phobia, it is also possible to explore, to comprehend, and even to admit to ourselves that it is our daily avoidances that are contributing to the problem. In order to address the reality principle, it is necessary to bring consciousness to one's avoidance strategy.

In the event that I am concerned that I have gained weight but do not check it, I seek refuge in a dream world where I can continue to convince myself that it is not true. But why does the fact that I have gained three kilogrammes make me feel such apprehension?

I am curious about the history of my body that this issue is referring to. My decision to flee from the scales is motivated by what I am trying to avoid?

Avoidance has a number of significant effects, one of which is that it strengthens our concerns and, as a result, our resistance to face them. This is in addition to the fact that prevention keeps us away from our realities.

In spite of our best efforts to avoid the issue, it continues to grow in severity. The result is that a minor concern gradually develops into a significant amount of anxiety.

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