A Healthy Push

191: You’re Not Weak—Here’s Why You’re Avoiding Your Fears (And What to Do About It)


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Avoidance is something we all do, especially when it comes to anxiety, panic, and agoraphobia, but it’s also what keeps us stuck. So I've dedicated an entire conversation to unpacking avoidance: why it happens, how it shows up (even in sneaky ways), and what’s really at the root of it. Because I don't want you to stay stuck!

From fear of feeling to perfectionism and a lack of self-trust, I break down the most common reasons people avoid and helps you understand that avoidance isn’t weakness, it's a normal human response. Most importantly, I share what it actually takes to begin facing your fears without white-knuckling your way through.

I dive into:

  • Why avoidance feels like relief (but keeps you stuck)
  • The fear of feeling and how it fuels avoidance
  • How past experiences with anxiety shape present-day avoidance
  • The role of self-trust in recovery
  • Why exposure therapy might not have worked for you, and what to do instead
  • How perfectionism, shame, and overwhelm contribute to avoidance
  • Steps to start building real safety and trust with yourself and your nervous system

FEAR TO FREEDOM: FACING PANIC AND AVOIDANCE WITH CONFIDENCE - WITHOUT IT FEELING SO HARD: https://www.ahealthypush.com/fear-to-freedom

TAKE MY FREE QUIZ AND FIND OUT WHAT'S CAUSING YOU TO STAY STUCK: https://www.ahealthypush.com/blocking-quiz

A HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/

GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES: https://www.ahealthypush.com/post/you-re-not-weak-here-s-why-you-re-avoiding-your-fears-and-what-to-do-about-it

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A Healthy PushBy Shannon Jackson

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