When we encounter underlying negative core beliefs, they distort the way we perceive  ourselves and events that happen to us. The more we avoid these feelings, the more we do not face the anxiety-provoking experience in order to extinguish anxiety.

When we encounter distress, it alerts us to unresolved areas that need to be worked on within ourselves. At Counselling Service Melbourne we notice how many utilize these defenses to avoid the discomfort, so the person does not feel the pain of what is going on deep down. Sometimes these coping mechanisms take over the individual, worsening the anxiety experience.

Addictions, affairs, and avoidance only offer short-term relief, rather than resolving the problem of anxiety. Anxiety disorder treatment resolves the underlying feelings that create anxiety, thus offering real change.

• Excessive worry about abandonment, failure, or judgement.
• Intrusive fears, feelings, and thoughts, for no real reason.
• Catastrophizing about problems
• Finding self-blame for things that are not one’s fault.
• Avoiding things such as performing to avoid judgement.
• Suspicious for no reason.

Life can be overwhelming living with these preoccupations, which can be self-debilitating. Anxious states can be the manifestations of underlying feelings, causing depression. Anxiety symptoms can manifest when these underlying feelings or negative beliefs surface. So, individuals avoid these feelings by incorporating obsessive thoughts or behaviours to avoid anxiety evoking scenarios

The anxiety will not disappear unless you resolve the real source of the anxiety by working more deeply at uncovering the underlying aspects. Avoiding anxiety keeps it there and may make it worse.

Many try to eliminate anxiety-provoking situations to avoid being anxious, and the ways they attempt to get rid of anxiety can end up hiding the anxiety, rather than dealing with it.