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You might think avoidance is your brain’s way of protecting you from the horrors of a traumatic experience. It's like your brain is saying, "Nope, not dealing with that nightmare again." But guess what? This so-called protective shield? It can actually blow up in your face. Avoidance can make you feel detached, numb, and even crankier than a caffeine-deprived cop on a Monday morning.

So, here's the deal: after something traumatic happens, your brain goes into survival mode, trying to keep you from reliving that awful moment. It's like your brain becomes this overprotective bodyguard, whispering, "Avoid anything that reminds us of that hellish experience."

Now, avoidance comes in all shapes and sizes. Let's start with Avoidance #1: dodging thoughts, emotions, or even conversations about the traumatic event. It's like slamming a mental door and saying, "Nope, not opening that can of worms." Then there's Avoidance #2: avoiding places, people, or activities that might trigger those nasty memories. It's like playing hide and seek, but instead of hiding from a friend, you're hiding from your own feelings. Clever, huh?

In this episode, we're diving deep into how avoidance works and, more importantly, how to do something different. Because, let’s face it, living in hiding isn’t living at all.

DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop has been presented and sponsored by Whole House Counseling. After the Tones Drop is for informational purposes only and does not constitute for medical or psychological advice. It is not a substitute for professional health care advice diagnosis or treatment. Please contact a local mental health professional in your area if you are in need of assistance. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information.

ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat):

• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling License code: ANJCYVHRMULSNKQR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/rise-of-the-hero License code: H4WTAGJZIXZCM8DM
• https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/homewardLicense code: KO7FZAIJBAEAJLKE
• https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/the-heart-grows License code: KAID0ITO96GJZAPS
• https://uppbeat.io/t/philip-anderson/achievement License code: XZ4PMCKHW94GUR74
• https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/nexus
  License code: MVMDRGHKHTJRABVR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough
  License code: FYPM3OJF0NQ4OGTE