Is it okay to avoid situations that make me anxious, or is that giving up to it?

Well, it's definitely going to happen sometimes so I wouldn't beat yourself up for it. It's a very common response when people have worries that feel unbearable. That said, if you repeatedly avoid stressful situations that can become maladaptive. What does that mean? Does it mean it makes you weak or shameful? No, but the more situations you avoid, the more options you end up losing to that avoidance. If you have such a maladaptive pattern going on, you can probably think of ways it's hurt your life. I'm saying this because learning about avoidance provided a lot of insight into my own problems. I formerly avoided almost all social situations with strangers. My aversion feat secretive, shameful, and I still felt constant anxiety about the fears that motivated the anxiety (on top of despair about my diminished options in life). Reading about avoidance in anxiety disorders made me recognize what happened. In my opinion, it's an under-recognized problem. I have never regretted my decision and if you're in a similar place, I hope you can try it someday too. If you don't feel ready to do that or can't do it on your own, that doesn't mean you're a failure. Some people benefit from psychotheurapeutic help when they face their fears (for example, exposure therapy for people with specific phobias). It's also unfortunately true that some people just can't find good solutions to all their problems right away. So avoidance can totally be maladaptive, but some people are going to fall back on that coping mechanism and they deserve patience of they're not ready to confront it. I respect people's decisions, but I hope people can be informed about the alternatives to their avoidant behavior.

Giving up IS an option. Our systems can only take so much bs before we feel overwhelmed. Taking a step back and leaving a situation is one of the best things to do before something like a panic attack happens.

It's totally okay to avoid situations that make you anxious. Knowing when you're out of your comfort zone is a healthy sign you're taking care of yourself.

Its not giving up. But also i think its not okay to avoid such situations. We have to face them, yes it might be hard at first, but as time goes on we can get used to it. Sometimes we have to get out of our comfort zones

It's totally fine to avoid certain situations that make you anxious, but remember that avoiding many things altogether indefinitely can make anxiety worse. For example; people who struggle with Panic Disorder may avoid leaving their home. The more they do that, though, the more other situations begin to make them panic as well. You can take small steps, using coping tools or things that make you feel safe to help you do what may seem difficult to you. Sometimes, the only way out of a difficult situation is through it. Find support, things that make you feel safe and take really small steps. Now, if you struggle with PTSD, that's different, you don't want to go and do things that can re-traumatize you or trigger your flashbacks. Still, though, try your best to do things step by step. It's okay to avoid certain situations, but don't make it a habit. Really try to consider whether you can do a specific thing or need to avoid it.

It is good sometimes to avoid situations that make you anxious. You shouldn't do anything if you don't feel up to it. If you know deep down you should give it a go but remember it's your choice and no one can make you do anything. It is not giving up, it is wise to avoid stressful situations.

It can be okay but for a short period of time. Eventually, you'll have to face those fears you have, at least those rational fears.. I can tell you from my personal experience that avoiding those situations can make it even worse. I find it better to face those situations slowly until your fear is gone :)

It's alright to avoid situations that make you anxious, however, doing things that make you anxious can also lead to being less nervous towards them. Sometimes there are things you need to do which make you anxious, but in those moments it's key to remember to be yourself and try and stay calm.

It depends on your emotional strength at the time. If you are ready to push yourself through some anxiety go for it. But if you are not ready avoid it for now.

Protecting oneself is not giving up. A person should be first of all kind to him/herself and only then they can be kind to others