#experiential-avoidance

#experiential-avoidance

In psychology, this is called experiential avoidance. Trouble is, this experiential avoidance may seem helpful in the moment, but research shows that continuous avoidance of uncomfortable or upsetting thoughts can actually increase our anxiety and distress. Indeed, Dr. Russ Harris outlined in his book The Happiness Trap that experiential avoidance contributes to anxiety, depression, and numerous other mental health challenges; the harder one tries to avoid the uncomfortable thoughts and feelings, the "more bad feelings we create."

Research indicates that 40% of high school students have felt hopeless in the past year, with emotional health issues among 18 to 25-year-olds rising from 21% to 33% from 2016 to 2024.