Is it okay to avoid situations that make me anxious, or is that giving up to it?
563 Answers
Moderated by Smita Joshi, BA Psychology / MA / Advanced EFT Practitioner
Updated: Apr 12, 2022
Anonymous
on
Feb 8, 2019
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Avoiding a situation entirely will build more anxiety and discomfort when you eventually have to face that situation. Avoidance isn't giving up, but instead is putting off the inevitable. The thing with anxiety is that it it can make a situation worse if avoided completely. I have found graduation to be helpful. For example if a particular situation makes you anxious go into that situation and try riding it out for a couple minutes before leaving, and try a little more every time. In the moment it may feel like the entire world is crushing down on you and the fight or flight response will be amped up to get out but this gradual introducing can reduce your anxiety s little.
Anonymous
on
Feb 13, 2019
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It is fine to avoid situations that make you anxious but I believe by doing so it may only worsen the anxiety or put it off until you are forced to encounter a situation similar to it. I would only avoid it for so long or try to prepare yourself to the best of your ability to confront it so it may help your anxiety of the situation or make the anxious feelings you get surrounding the situation go away . Anxiety usually gets worse the more you avoid something so confrontation may be the best route but only if you are mentally and physically prepared as much as you possibly could be
insightfulSunrise67
on
Mar 6, 2019
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It’s not giving up. I think it depends on the level of anxiety those situations create. If I have high levels of anxiety, at work for example, then instead of “forcing†myself to do what is being asked, I inform them I can’t. I then think about the small steps I can take to reduce my anxiety in those situations. I think it’s being aware of your capabilities in that moment and knowing it’s okay if you can’t be in that situation at that time. I also try not to put pressure on myself and go with the flow of my anxiety, so to speak. Even if it’s a little step to others, it’s a big step to me and I’m proud of myself for that. Just remember, you’re doing great!
FaeFlower
on
Mar 10, 2019
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Hey there! Honestly, I think it depends on the situation. If it’s something that you need to do do function, it’s probably good to push through so that you can both function and practice beating the anxiety. However, I think avoiding situations that are not necessary to be in is fine, as long as it’s it’s not something you want to go to. For example, if you were asked to a dance by someone you like and you wanted to go but were worried about the anxiety, perhaps you could offer to go for part of the time and do something more relaxing for the rest of the time.
dxphne
on
Mar 28, 2019
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It really depends on the situation in my opinion. It's okay to avoid situations that feel way too challenging to you, you don't want to get anxious and worked up for no reason. If it's an important event you shouldn't just avoid it though, try to kind of force yourself but don't continue if it gets too bad. Your health is the most important thing, always keep that in mind. However, if you keep walking away for situations that scare you, it will just get worse, trust me. Overcoming your fear and making new experiences is one of the best ways to get your anxiety under control, but it's definitely not an easy thing to do. Only do it if you feel like you are ready for it, maybe with the help of friends or an professional.
Imheretohelp1411
on
Mar 29, 2019
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I wouldn't say the question should be is it okay or not, but if it is helpful or not to your overall situation. If it is a one time event, then I'd say it will be harmless. But say you are avoiding something that you often have to do, like go to school or the grocery store because it makes you nervous, then yes, that is a problem. I have been through this many times, so I understand the struggle. Exposure is the best way to get over it. It is hard but it is something that should be done when you're ready so that you dojt have to keep living in fearâ¤
Anonymous
on
May 3, 2019
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If you are strong enough to endure, it can make you stronger. But know your limits, and don't let people push you past them. Yes, put yourself out there- but not into harms way. Giving in doesn't make you weak or wrong. But rather it means that you have the strength and courage to do what you KNOW is best. Not all stressful situations can be avoided, don't avoid the necessary ones because doing so will only make them more stressful later on. But, going into the situation with the right frame of mind, and maybe an idea of what is happening can help to lessen the stress you may feel.
Don't give up, just listen to your mind and body, they know what you can handle.
Anonymous
on
May 8, 2019
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We all experience anxiety at some or other stage in our lives. Avoiding situations can become a problem when it prevents you from living a normal satisfying life and enjoying it. Avoiding situations that make you anxious is a temporary solution and ok if it helps you to explore ways to deal with the anxiety. It is only giving up if avoidance becomes a permanent solution to the anxiety. If we do not try and resolve the issues that cause the anxiety, it may lead to other mental health issues. I guess it also depends on the type of situation causing the anxiety.
Anonymous
on
May 8, 2019
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It's normal to try avoiding situations that make you anxious but think about what trigger your anxiety. Go through step by step, let's say you are feeling breathless and fidgeting, Which motion came first? Try to get yourself comfortable by knowing your anxiety at which stage and slowly understand it to prevent yourself to feel too anxious. Anxiety is part of life, what you feeling might just be too much adrenaline for you, slowly take control and approach it at your own pace without pressuring yourself too much. There is always time for improving, helping yourself is the best first step you take.
SevenSolstice
on
May 12, 2019
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Wanting to avoid anxiety inducing situations (that are actually safe) is only natural. Wanting to give in to this natural inclination should not be thought of as "giving up", but instead as simply unhelpful for our long term well being. Unfortunately, not only does avoiding such situations interfere with our lives, but only reinforces our anxiety, such that the next time we encounter the situation, we get even more anxious.
This however, is not to say that we should throw ourselves into the deep end when facing an anxiety inducing situation. Experiencing a panic response will likely only make us more averse to confronting the situation. Instead, it's helpful to figure out what it is about the situation that makes us anxious. Once we understand the specific triggers that cause our anxiety, we can form logical responses to remind ourselves why our anxiety is overblown.
Incremental exposure and finding ways of making yourself feel safer are also very helpful. For instance, if large gatherings of people make you feel anxious, attend smaller gatherings first. Bring a trusted friend to be your conversation buddy. Set a goal to speak with one stranger, and have an exit strategy prepared should you feel overwhelmed and need to leave.
These strategies can help us become more comfortable in situations that make us anxious, by showing us that these situations aren't actually that scary after all.
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