Emotional avoidance can intensify distress: Here's why
From not responding to them effectively to intensifying the difficult emotions, here are a few ways by which emotional avoidance can lead to more suffering.
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The act of dodging or avoiding our feelings can lead to more suffering. "It’s crucial to understand that every emotion, regardless of its perceived negativity, serves a purpose, offering insights into our inner world and the world around us. Acknowledging and confronting our feelings is a fundamental step towards healing and personal growth. It is through this courageous engagement with our emotional selves that we can achieve a deeper understanding and a more balanced state of mental health," wrote Therapist Andrea Evgeniou.(Unsplash)
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This act of avoidance creates the impression that uncomfortable feelings are bad – this further makes us oblivious to the inevitable future pain. (Unsplash)
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When we do not allow space for our difficult feelings, we lose the ability to address and respond to them effectively. (Unsplash)
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When we become emotionally withdrawn, we may try to alienate or isolate ourselves from people – this can make us feel lonely. (Unsplash)
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