However, not all situations, people, or places can be avoided. And triggers also can present themselves unexpectedly. They are all around. In addition, avoidance only works for a short time. As a result, avoidance is a symptom of PTSD that can greatly interfere with the quality of your life.
How to Reduce Your Avoidance Behavior
Breaking down avoidance behavior is not an easy thing to do. However, there are steps you can take to start reducing your avoidance behavior now. Follow the steps below and start taking back your life from your PTSD symptoms.
Some Points to Consider
It is important that you make sure you practice anxiety-reduction coping techniques when engaging in this exercise. It is very important that you do not avoid while doing these exercises. If you notice that your anxiety spikes during the exercise, stay in the situation and use healthy coping skills to allow the anxiety to naturally reduce on its own. It may also be helpful to start doing these exercises with a friend or source of support. However, you don’t always want to have someone with you when you do these exercises. Doing so may prevent you from feeling as though you can approach situations on your own. If you aren’t initially successful in approaching a situation don’t give up. Breaking down avoidance behavior is a very difficult thing to do and it can take some time. If you get stuck on a certain step, try to break down the approach behavior into even smaller steps. The most important thing is that you keep trying. Even a little forward progress can have a tremendous impact on your life. Finally, when you have fully approached a situation that you used to avoid, make sure you reward yourself. Overcoming avoidance behavior is not an easy thing to do. Therefore, it is important to recognize your accomplishment.
