Escaping Reality (The Secret Life of Amy Bensen Book 1)

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And although people have plenty of alternative entertainment options that have nothing to do with the pandemic, some of us are opting in to merging daily life with the modes we use to escape it. As long as we continue to avoid the problem, the tension will remain a buzz in the background because the latent conflict is not resolved. This is the escapist strategy par excellence since it consists of actively avoiding situations that cause us discomfort.

Escaping Reality to Heal | Psychology Today Escaping Reality to Heal | Psychology Today

So, seeking out activities that validate our feelings or reflect our experiences isn’t just a pandemic-induced phenomenon. So when things get complicated or overwhelming, ditching the stress of those feelings and starting anew (even figuratively) allows us to temporarily detach ourselves from those uncomfortable feelings and realities. With the advent of social media bringing global news closer, it appears that although barbaric acts have been practised throughout the world for centuries, groups like Isis “appear” and are perceived as such, as a relatively new phenomenon, closer to home thereby creating more anxiety. Accepting that the life I needed to focus on wasn’t part of a fantastical video game world was upsetting — but it was a realisation I needed to make. For example, we can change hate to sadness because we consider that it is more acceptable to feel sad than to hate someone.Except not everyone is bingeing buddy films or devouring pulpy romance novels to escape their lives – many are keeping themselves busy with entertainment that feels eerily close to their day-to-day.

What Are You Running Away From? (Dealing with Escapism)

As a result, you may become narcissistic and controlling, emotionally abusive, constantly self-monitoring and/or monitoring others. Drugs cause some forms of escapism which can occur when certain mind-altering drugs are taken which make the participant forget the reality of where they are or what they are meant to be doing. If so, do not resist it — be aware of it, understand the source of this resistance, and confront it. When we have little time to pursue our joys or indulge in unstructured free time, it can make us fantasize about escaping it all. And this will lead us to want to avoid a reality that is increasingly threatening, trapping us in a vicious circle.A study conducted at Leiden University warns us that people who constantly avoid dealing with their intense emotions experience greater feelings of anxiety and emotional distress over time. Our game master Antoni was very friendly and set the scene well whilst occasionally checking in on us.