Overusing humor to make light of a problem can be another unhealthy form of avoidance coping. Examples of denial include refusing to acknowledge there are problems within your marriage or job because you’re afraid of change or don’t want to think about any issues.ĭenial can also include normalizing a problem to reassure yourself or others. Denialĭenial, a common form of cognitive avoidance, is a defense mechanism where you ignore, minimize, or outright deny having a problem. Examples of situational avoidance include canceling social plans or a doctor’s appointment that you’re stressed or anxious about, or making an excuse to not go on a beach trip because you’re insecure about being in a bathing suit. Many people who struggle with anxiety disorders often avoid situations that trigger their anxiety, not realizing that this usually worsens anxiety in the long-term. Here are seven avoidance coping examples: 1. Using drugs, alcohol, or other vices to escape reality, quiet your mind, or numb emotions can also be an unhealthy avoidance coping mechanism (i.e., escape avoidance coping). These include trying to distract yourself or avoid thinking about a problem that’s stressing you out by staying busy or minimizing or denying a problem. The most obvious avoidance coping example is avoiding stressful or scary situations however, there are many other forms of avoidant coping. Research indicates that avoidance coping has many unwanted consequences, including lowered self-esteem, higher stress, and poorer physical and mental health. Most avoidant coping skills are efforts to find instant relief from stress, even when it makes things worse in the long run. 1, 2Īvoidance coping is generally viewed as unhealthy and ineffective because being avoidant doesn’t address root causes of stress, and tends to increase stress and anxiety when overused. Others rely on behavioral avoidance strategies like avoiding people, places, and situations that cause stress or anxiety. 1, 2, 4 Some people use cognitive avoidance strategies to distract themselves, ignore problems, or avoid dealing with their stress. Avoidance coping temporarily reduces stress by avoiding certain situations, thoughts, or feelings.
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