Recognizing Traps
A man is lost in the desert without food or water. He sees a bottle filled with clear liquid. The bottle says “Vodka” on it. He opens it and drinks it completely. Although there is slight burning in his throat and he coughs a little, the liquid quenches his thirst for the moment. However, he becomes more disoriented as the effects of the alcohol take hold. Furthermore, the alcohol serves to increase his dehydration. The liquid that temporarily quenched his thirst serves to hasten his death. Avoidance works the same way (Martell, Addis, and Jacobson 2001).
Keeping Out of Harm’s Way
There are many things in life that people have to face each day. Work contains some level of stress for everyone, no matter how simple your job. At other times there can be troubling life events or obnoxious individuals to face. When you are depressed, even simple tasks can seem monumental. Do you change your life so that you don’t have to face things? If so, you may be stuck in an avoidance pattern. If you spend a great deal of time trying to keep away from confrontation or hassle, there are clearly situations or feelings that you are motivated to avoid. Effexor can help overcoming depression.
Complaining May Be a Clue
Again, some of your symptoms can serve as avoidance. Complaining can occasionally function as avoidance-you reduce your stress or anxiety temporarily by engaging in behavior that cannot have any impact on the situation. If you find yourself complaining about things all the time, it could be a sign that you are avoiding something. There may be a more adaptive and successful way of dealing with the situation.
