Table of contents<\/h2>- What Is Avoidance Behavior? <\/a><\/li>
- Avoidance as a Coping Mechanism <\/a><\/li>
- Types of Avoidance\u202f <\/a>
- Emotional avoidance <\/a><\/li>
- Situational avoidance <\/a><\/li>
- Cognitive avoidance <\/a><\/li>
- Protective avoidance\u202f <\/a><\/li>
- Somatic avoidance\u202f <\/a><\/li>
- Substitution avoidance <\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Examples of Avoidance Behavior\u202f <\/a><\/li>
- Typical Teen Avoidance Behavior vs. a Mental Health Issue <\/a><\/li>
- How To Stop Avoidance Behavior <\/a>
- Help your teen develop healthy coping skills <\/a><\/li>
- Help your teen to be accountable <\/a><\/li>
- Teach your teen healthy communication skills <\/a><\/li>
- Look for a therapist to help <\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Avoidance Behavior Wrapup <\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n
What Is Avoidance Behavior? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Avoidance behavior is a way of coping with challenging feelings, thoughts, and experiences. People use avoidance to minimize dangers and threats. Basically, the mind is trying to keep a person safe from a source of anxiety or danger.<\/strong> \u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\nAs Frithiof explained, avoidance behavior is used \u201cto get people away from whatever the root issue is and focused on something else instead.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Avoidance as a Coping Mechanism <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Unfortunately, using avoidance as a coping mechanism isn\u2019t an effective solution to dealing with stressful situations<\/a>. Over time, it can lead to more problems than it solves.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s like burying something under a rug, and ultimately the rug ends up looking like Mount Everest,\u201d Frithiof said. \u201cOr it\u2019s like shoving a bunch of stuff into a closet. There\u2019s so much jammed into the closet that things are leaking out, and you can\u2019t shut the door.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For instance, teenagers may turn to substance use to cope with bullying at school or the loss of a loved one<\/a>. Instead of dealing with difficult emotions head-on, they\u2019re trying to avoid those feelings. However, drinking alcohol or taking drugs can end up causing more stress and anxiety<\/a> in the long run \u2014 and the original stressor remains. <\/p>\n\n\n\nAnother example of how using avoidance for coping can cause problems is when teens don\u2019t want to leave the house because they suffer from social anxiety. Until they learn how to manage social situations, they may have difficulty with seemingly simple activities like enjoying a high school dance or socializing with people at college. So, while the behavior originally existed to help them cope, it could keep them from experiencing life to the fullest for years to come. \u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Types of Avoidance\u202f <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You may spot several types of avoidance behavior in your teen. \u202f \u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Emotional avoidance <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Emotional avoidance happens when your teen is trying to avoid experiencing a certain feeling. For instance, they might try to avoid being insecure, angry<\/a>, or isolated. They may engage in substance use or passive-aggressive behaviors to avoid dealing with these emotions. <\/p>\n\n\n\nAccording to Frithiof, teens may try joking around, being sarcastic, or being sassy so they don\u2019t have to talk about their emotions. So, if you try to have a serious conversation, they may brush it off or greet your efforts with sarcasm.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Situational avoidance <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Teens with avoidance issues may try to stay away from situations where they feel negative emotions. This is the most common form of avoidance coping.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Situational avoidance is often seen in people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)<\/a> because they\u2019ll try to avoid situational triggers. For instance, if your teen has PTSD after a school shooting, they may not want to watch fireworks because the loud and sometimes unpredictable sounds could trigger a flashback or panic attack. <\/p>\n\n\n\nCognitive avoidance <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
With this kind of psychological avoidance, your teen is trying to get their mind to stop reliving distressing emotions and thoughts. They may disconnect from what\u2019s going on around them or distract themself from bad memories and feelings. In some cases, your teenager may resort to toxic positivity or fantasies to dodge their troubling thoughts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Often, teens using cognitive avoidance will try to intellectualize an issue. Frithiof said they may give you an intellectual answer to a question or reason for their actions instead of discussing the deeper problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Protective avoidance\u202f <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If your teen is practicing protective avoidance, they may compulsively clean, wear lucky charms, or use other tactics to feel more secure. Basically, they\u2019re trying to manage their physical environment so their emotions seem safer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s important to note that for many people, there\u2019s a fine line between protective avoidance and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)<\/a> or eating disorders. It\u2019s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of those issues so you can spot them in your teen and get mental health treatment for them if needed. \u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\nSomatic avoidance\u202f <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
With somatic avoidance, your teen may avoid any situation that causes them to feel a stress response or anxiety. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
During a stress response, there are tingling sensations in the fingers and a racing heart rate. Falling in love or working out can cause the same physical reactions, so if your teen is dealing with somatic avoidance, they may avoid these positive, healthy experiences.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Substitution avoidance <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If your teen is dealing with substitution avoidance, they may try to replace one feeling with another. For instance, they may replace grief with anger.\u202fOr, instead of dealing with emotional pain, they may turn to drugs, food, or alcohol.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Examples of Avoidance Behavior\u202f <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Each person is unique, so teens can experience avoidance behavior in different ways. For instance, Frithiof has seen some young people dive harder into schoolwork and use perfectionism to avoid their emotions. Teens think they can be perfect, and then no one else will know they aren\u2019t. However, these temporary coping mechanisms simply mask underlying issues, and they won\u2019t help forever.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to diving into schoolwork and striving for perfection, other examples of avoidance behavior include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Socially isolating. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Substance abuse<\/a>. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Escapism.\u202f <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Burying emotions.\u202f <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Avoiding eye contact.\u202f <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ruminating on thoughts<\/a>.\u202f <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Speaking quietly. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Leaving gatherings early. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Passive-aggressive behavior. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Procrastination.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Typical Teen Avoidance Behavior vs. a Mental Health Issue <\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Teen](\"https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Teen-using-avoidance-as-a-coping-mechanism-ducks-past-a-group-of-friends-1024x683.jpeg\")
Teen using avoidance as a coping mechanism ducks past a group of friends.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAvoiding problems isn\u2019t always a major issue. For instance, if procrastinating on assignments went hand-in-hand with a mental health issue, many students would have to sign up for therapy. What matters is figuring out when your teen\u2019s avoidance behaviors are normal and when they\u2019re a sign of a mental health issue you need to address. \u202f\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ultimately, the difference between typical use of avoidance for coping and a mental health struggle is the severity of the behavior. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\u201cIf there\u2019s a little bit of social isolation and some loneliness, that can be normal and typical,\u201d Frithiof said. \u201cIf your kid is constantly skipping school or not leaving the house for multiple days at a time, we\u2019re likely looking at something more severe.\u201d <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
If your teen\u2019s avoidance behavior is getting in the way of their normal life, they may need some extra help.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How To Stop Avoidance Behavior <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s important for teens to learn how to manage challenging emotions because harmful coping mechanisms can cause additional stress and anxiety. If you\u2019re worried about your teenager and want to know how to stop avoidance behavior, there are a few strategies you can use. \u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Help your teen develop healthy coping skills <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ultimately, avoidant behavior exists because your teen is trying to cope with challenging feelings. To stop avoiding problems, they\u2019ll need to find alternative coping methods.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can encourage your teen to try methods such as deep breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation, which can be used throughout the day and could be especially helpful at night if they\u2019re having a hard time sleeping. Teenagers can also benefit from journaling, meditation, yoga, and exercise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, if they\u2019re struggling with anxiety, suggest they track what causes them to feel anxious so they can spot patterns, which will help them recognize when they need to use coping skills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Help your teen to be accountable <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Helping your teen to be accountable when they seem to be avoiding dealing with problems can help motivate them to face the issues that are troubling them. For instance, you can ask them about a project they\u2019ve been procrastinating on or remind them about going to their grief support group. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Teach your teen healthy communication skills <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sometimes, the best way you can help your teen deal with avoidance is by encouraging them to talk about what\u2019s troubling them.<\/strong> Let them know that by sharing their feelings, they\u2019re taking an important step toward figuring out how to better deal with difficult emotions and experiences. <\/p>\n\n\n\nAs part of this process, Frithiof recommended reassuring your child that they aren\u2019t in trouble. Approach them from an understanding and supportive place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGet curious with your kids in a nonjudgmental way, and explore why they\u2019re having these feelings,\u201d Frithiof said. \u201cBehaviors like avoidance, social isolation, and procrastination tend to be a sign that a child is afraid to share their thoughts with other people, including their parents.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Look for a therapist to help <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- Emotional avoidance <\/a><\/li>
- Situational avoidance <\/a><\/li>
- Cognitive avoidance <\/a><\/li>
- Protective avoidance\u202f <\/a><\/li>
- Somatic avoidance\u202f <\/a><\/li>
- Substitution avoidance <\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Examples of Avoidance Behavior\u202f <\/a><\/li>
- Typical Teen Avoidance Behavior vs. a Mental Health Issue <\/a><\/li>
- How To Stop Avoidance Behavior <\/a>
- Help your teen develop healthy coping skills <\/a><\/li>
- Help your teen to be accountable <\/a><\/li>
- Teach your teen healthy communication skills <\/a><\/li>
- Look for a therapist to help <\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Avoidance Behavior Wrapup <\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n
What Is Avoidance Behavior? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Avoidance behavior is a way of coping with challenging feelings, thoughts, and experiences. People use avoidance to minimize dangers and threats. Basically, the mind is trying to keep a person safe from a source of anxiety or danger.<\/strong> \u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As Frithiof explained, avoidance behavior is used \u201cto get people away from whatever the root issue is and focused on something else instead.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Avoidance as a Coping Mechanism <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Unfortunately, using avoidance as a coping mechanism isn\u2019t an effective solution to dealing with stressful situations<\/a>. Over time, it can lead to more problems than it solves.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s like burying something under a rug, and ultimately the rug ends up looking like Mount Everest,\u201d Frithiof said. \u201cOr it\u2019s like shoving a bunch of stuff into a closet. There\u2019s so much jammed into the closet that things are leaking out, and you can\u2019t shut the door.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For instance, teenagers may turn to substance use to cope with bullying at school or the loss of a loved one<\/a>. Instead of dealing with difficult emotions head-on, they\u2019re trying to avoid those feelings. However, drinking alcohol or taking drugs can end up causing more stress and anxiety<\/a> in the long run \u2014 and the original stressor remains. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another example of how using avoidance for coping can cause problems is when teens don\u2019t want to leave the house because they suffer from social anxiety. Until they learn how to manage social situations, they may have difficulty with seemingly simple activities like enjoying a high school dance or socializing with people at college. So, while the behavior originally existed to help them cope, it could keep them from experiencing life to the fullest for years to come. \u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Types of Avoidance\u202f <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You may spot several types of avoidance behavior in your teen. \u202f \u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Emotional avoidance <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Emotional avoidance happens when your teen is trying to avoid experiencing a certain feeling. For instance, they might try to avoid being insecure, angry<\/a>, or isolated. They may engage in substance use or passive-aggressive behaviors to avoid dealing with these emotions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Frithiof, teens may try joking around, being sarcastic, or being sassy so they don\u2019t have to talk about their emotions. So, if you try to have a serious conversation, they may brush it off or greet your efforts with sarcasm.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Situational avoidance <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Teens with avoidance issues may try to stay away from situations where they feel negative emotions. This is the most common form of avoidance coping.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Situational avoidance is often seen in people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)<\/a> because they\u2019ll try to avoid situational triggers. For instance, if your teen has PTSD after a school shooting, they may not want to watch fireworks because the loud and sometimes unpredictable sounds could trigger a flashback or panic attack. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cognitive avoidance <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
With this kind of psychological avoidance, your teen is trying to get their mind to stop reliving distressing emotions and thoughts. They may disconnect from what\u2019s going on around them or distract themself from bad memories and feelings. In some cases, your teenager may resort to toxic positivity or fantasies to dodge their troubling thoughts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Often, teens using cognitive avoidance will try to intellectualize an issue. Frithiof said they may give you an intellectual answer to a question or reason for their actions instead of discussing the deeper problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Protective avoidance\u202f <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If your teen is practicing protective avoidance, they may compulsively clean, wear lucky charms, or use other tactics to feel more secure. Basically, they\u2019re trying to manage their physical environment so their emotions seem safer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s important to note that for many people, there\u2019s a fine line between protective avoidance and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)<\/a> or eating disorders. It\u2019s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of those issues so you can spot them in your teen and get mental health treatment for them if needed. \u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Somatic avoidance\u202f <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
With somatic avoidance, your teen may avoid any situation that causes them to feel a stress response or anxiety. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
During a stress response, there are tingling sensations in the fingers and a racing heart rate. Falling in love or working out can cause the same physical reactions, so if your teen is dealing with somatic avoidance, they may avoid these positive, healthy experiences.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Substitution avoidance <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If your teen is dealing with substitution avoidance, they may try to replace one feeling with another. For instance, they may replace grief with anger.\u202fOr, instead of dealing with emotional pain, they may turn to drugs, food, or alcohol.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Examples of Avoidance Behavior\u202f <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Each person is unique, so teens can experience avoidance behavior in different ways. For instance, Frithiof has seen some young people dive harder into schoolwork and use perfectionism to avoid their emotions. Teens think they can be perfect, and then no one else will know they aren\u2019t. However, these temporary coping mechanisms simply mask underlying issues, and they won\u2019t help forever.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to diving into schoolwork and striving for perfection, other examples of avoidance behavior include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Socially isolating. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Substance abuse<\/a>. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Escapism.\u202f <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Burying emotions.\u202f <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Avoiding eye contact.\u202f <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ruminating on thoughts<\/a>.\u202f <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Speaking quietly. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Leaving gatherings early. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Passive-aggressive behavior. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Procrastination.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Typical Teen Avoidance Behavior vs. a Mental Health Issue <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Teen using avoidance as a coping mechanism ducks past a group of friends.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Avoiding problems isn\u2019t always a major issue. For instance, if procrastinating on assignments went hand-in-hand with a mental health issue, many students would have to sign up for therapy. What matters is figuring out when your teen\u2019s avoidance behaviors are normal and when they\u2019re a sign of a mental health issue you need to address. \u202f\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ultimately, the difference between typical use of avoidance for coping and a mental health struggle is the severity of the behavior. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cIf there\u2019s a little bit of social isolation and some loneliness, that can be normal and typical,\u201d Frithiof said. \u201cIf your kid is constantly skipping school or not leaving the house for multiple days at a time, we\u2019re likely looking at something more severe.\u201d <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
If your teen\u2019s avoidance behavior is getting in the way of their normal life, they may need some extra help.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How To Stop Avoidance Behavior <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s important for teens to learn how to manage challenging emotions because harmful coping mechanisms can cause additional stress and anxiety. If you\u2019re worried about your teenager and want to know how to stop avoidance behavior, there are a few strategies you can use. \u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Help your teen develop healthy coping skills <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ultimately, avoidant behavior exists because your teen is trying to cope with challenging feelings. To stop avoiding problems, they\u2019ll need to find alternative coping methods.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can encourage your teen to try methods such as deep breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation, which can be used throughout the day and could be especially helpful at night if they\u2019re having a hard time sleeping. Teenagers can also benefit from journaling, meditation, yoga, and exercise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, if they\u2019re struggling with anxiety, suggest they track what causes them to feel anxious so they can spot patterns, which will help them recognize when they need to use coping skills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Help your teen to be accountable <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Helping your teen to be accountable when they seem to be avoiding dealing with problems can help motivate them to face the issues that are troubling them. For instance, you can ask them about a project they\u2019ve been procrastinating on or remind them about going to their grief support group. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Teach your teen healthy communication skills <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sometimes, the best way you can help your teen deal with avoidance is by encouraging them to talk about what\u2019s troubling them.<\/strong> Let them know that by sharing their feelings, they\u2019re taking an important step toward figuring out how to better deal with difficult emotions and experiences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As part of this process, Frithiof recommended reassuring your child that they aren\u2019t in trouble. Approach them from an understanding and supportive place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGet curious with your kids in a nonjudgmental way, and explore why they\u2019re having these feelings,\u201d Frithiof said. \u201cBehaviors like avoidance, social isolation, and procrastination tend to be a sign that a child is afraid to share their thoughts with other people, including their parents.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Look for a therapist to help <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- Help your teen to be accountable <\/a><\/li>
- Situational avoidance <\/a><\/li>