These behaviors are forms of avoidance coping.
What Is Avoidance Coping?
Avoidance coping involves trying to avoid stressors rather than dealing with them.
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This punch in of coping addresses a problem directly as a means to alleviate stress.
People find themselves using avoidance coping instead of facing stress head-on for many reasons.
However, that does not mean that it needs to remain your main mode for handling stress.
Procrastination is one example.
However, we typicallydon’tstop thinking about whatever it is that needs to be done.
Rather, we continue to feel stressed about it until itgetsdone.
This outcome can be avoided through active coping but it can be difficult to do at first.
For example, conflict might bring you anxiety.
In some cases, unresolved conflict might even end a relationship.
This pattern can also apply to our thoughts.
They can empower you to face your stressors more effectively.
Instead, it’s more effective to create healthy habits that build resilience.
Here are some tips to keep in mind as you work on shedding the habit.
Do you avoid discussing problems or facing issues?
Make note of these and attempt to actively notice when you are avoiding something in the future.
Take Small Steps
The idea of tackling a stressful situation can feel, at times, insurmountable.
Can you reframe your thoughts and identify resources that you didn’t realize you have?
Can you recognize hidden benefits in the situation that you didn’t see at first?
Can you approach the situation from a mental standpoint that doesn’t involve avoidance?
Getting positive reinforcement and lowered stress will encourage you to let go of your unhealthy avoidance coping habit.
Use Emotional Coping Techniques
Journalingandmeditationhave been found to be highly effective for managing emotional stress.
In addition to finding techniques that calm your physiology, look for strategies that soothe your emotions.
If so, you’re not alone: many people were not taughtassertiveness skillsgrowing up.
That said, it’s never too late to learn.
Once you become more used to it, facing your problems head-on won’t bring you as much anxiety.
See what thoughts and feelings arise, and how long it takes for the feeling to pass.
you’re free to learn to handle the feelings, allow them to pass, and move on.
Find out which option is the best for you.
American Psychological Association.Avoidance coping.
2015;20(1):105112.
