What is Avoidance Anxiety?

Avoidance anxiety is a form of anxiety in which an individual goes to great lengths to avoid situations, people or tasks perceived as stressful or uncomfortable. This behavior is characterized by persistent evasion of activities or encounters that trigger anxious thoughts and feelings. While avoiding these scenerios  might provide short term relief, it often exacerbates anxiety in the long run, as the underlying issues remain unaddressed. 

The vicious cycle of avoidance...When you avoid certain situations, you miss the opportunity to confront and manage your fears leading to:

Increased anxiety, avoiding the source of anxiety often results in heighetend apprehension over time. The scenario becomes more intimidating in your mind, leading to a build up of fear and anticipation that can make future confrontations or tasks even more daunting.

Decreased self efficacy, (your belief about your ability to preform a task) constant avoidance can undermine your confidence in your ability to handle stressful situations. This erosion of self efficacy makes it harder to attempt facing the feared scenario in the  future.

Social and functional impairment. Over time, the avoidance anxiety can lead to disruptions in your personal and professional life. By dodging certain activities or interactions, you may miss out on important social connections, career advancements, or personal growth opportunities. This can result in increased isolation, diminished productivity and a sense of unease.

Overcoming avoidance anxiety involves a combination of self awareness, behavioral strategies, and sometimes professional intervention.  

​Recognizing and acknowledging the behavior is the first step.