08/06/2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18wfdLaMzg/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Let's talk about AVOIDANCE
Avoidance is what happens when your nervous system decides, “We're not doing that again.”
Avoidance is a survival strategy. Your brain learned that avoiding reminders of the trauma keeps you from being triggered or anxious. It’s trying to protect you by steering you away from anything that might trigger another surge of fear, panic, or overwhelm.
Avoidance can take many forms, like steering clear of certain people, places, or even our own memories and emotions. We may find ourselves going to great lengths to dodge anything that reminds us of our trauma, and it's okay. It's a natural response that helps us cope.
But...
This cycle can become a loop that’s hard to break.
Avoiding things might feel safe in the moment, but it actually reinforces fear and distress in the long run.
The more you avoid, the more your world shrinks
Recognizing avoidance behaviors starts with being really honest with yourself.
Once you notice the ways you might be avoiding things, you can begin to understand how it’s affecting your life.
Want to learn more? Check out the PTSD Recovery Series Book https://bit.ly/PTSDRecovery
