What does experiential avoidance refer to in the context of mental health?

Experiential avoidance is a concept in mental health that relates to the tendency of individuals to evade distressing thoughts, feelings, memories, and sensations. This avoidance can manifest in various forms, such as steering clear of situations that might trigger uncomfortable emotions or using substances to numb feelings. The central idea is that instead of confronting these painful experiences, individuals choose to escape or ignore them, believing that doing so will lead to relief. However, this strategy often leads to increased emotional suffering and can exacerbate mental health issues over time.

Choosing to face fears directly, seek pleasure over pain, or engage in therapy are all approaches that can promote better mental health outcomes by encouraging direct engagement with one’s experiences, rather than avoidance. However, experiential avoidance specifically refers to this maladaptive process of avoiding negative internal experiences. This avoidance is often counterproductive, perpetuating distress and preventing individuals from fully processing and integrating their experiences.