Worry & Fear
Avoidance
Staying away from situations, places, activities, or thoughts that trigger anxiety or distress, even when avoidance creates problems in your life.
- “why do I avoid everything”
- “can't face certain situations”
- “avoiding things making life smaller”
- “too anxious to do things”
Also called avoiding situations, staying away from triggers, can't face certain things, escape behaviors, withdrawing from activities.
What it can look like
Everyday moments people describe.
Some people describe their world gradually shrinking as more places and activities get added to the 'too uncomfortable' list.
Where it can come from
Many things can cause this. Only a clinician can tell which applies to you.
Avoidance in Social Anxiety Disorder
Avoiding social situations is a core feature, driven by fear of judgment or embarrassment.
How clinicians describe it
- “Avoidance of public speaking, meeting new people, eating in public”
Often comes with
When to get help
- When avoidance is limiting your work, relationships, or daily activities
- When the list of things you avoid keeps growing
- When you recognize avoidance isn't solving the problem
- When you want to do things but anxiety prevents you