[ComfortablyNumb5]

I've been doing some research on my many conditions and avoidance fell under PTSD and anxiety, which both I have. I honestly thought I cancelled appointments a lot and ignored calls out of laziness until I read about this. For years I've been known to ditch T appointments just so I wouldn't have to fess up to my issues. I'm having a problem with this with my current T too now.

Another example is how when I was able to work, I'd avoid those in the office that triggered my attacks. If I saw that a-hole boss coming around the corner, I'd pretend to be busy so I wouldn't have to acknowledge them. I also have PTSD related to authority figures so it does make sense.

And today I told my aunt I was sick so I wouldn't have to go there for xmas. I usually only bail on that side of the family when I'm particularly doing bad. Which I am lately.

Anyone else do this kind of behavior?

[Ocean Swimmer]

Avoidance. Yes for a variety of situations.

[usehername]

Yes. Again, a variety of situations. And authority figures are high on my list, too, unless I can find a way to personally relate to them. Unfortunately, that is never the case for the ones that carry guns.

[alpacalicious]

I was very avoidant when I was a teenager, I avoided everything. I remember I never replied to phone calls, when there were people in my house I was always hiding from them, even family friends or relatives.
Now I feel I'm less avoidant. I have a bit of avoidance with the phone, because if there is a phone call, I don't want to reply. The problem with avoiding things is that your anxiety remains the same, or it could be even higher than before. By avoiding things you dont face your fears, and challenge your thoughts. Try to make a list of things that scare you, try to think if there are situations that seems less scary (maybe going out, take a walk, buy groceries...). Exposure worked for me, I tried to do things that gave me less anxiety (like make simple phone calls, or go shopping etc...) and my anxiety decreased a bit.

For me, avoidance is connected to catastrophic thinking. I couldn't even answer a phone - even numbers of friends and family I recognized. I avoided public errands. I made up excuses not to attend things - even those things I knew ought to be fun or positive.

On the contrary though, I did keep doctor and psychiatrist appointments. This was out of an overwhelming sense of obligation and fear of getting in trouble. I just loathed to do so however.

[handheart]

Sometimes avoiding will help and sometimess will not .Because avoidance its a weapon of anxiety and want us to not confront our fears and to stay in our comfort zone

[Yours_Truly]

Yes, I avoid many situations also. I'm avoiding living right now.

[Fuzzybear]