Signs You Run Away From Problems
No matter where you go, or how far you run, you will always carry yourself with you. Taking the path of least resistance may seem more appealing than facing our troubles and finding solutions. But as much as we’d love to escape, running away from our problems just doesn’t work.
Why Do We Run Away From Our Problems
Life is full of challenges, whether we like it or not. It is a perfectly natural response to want to avoid pain or conflict. Some people plow head-on into fixing whatever the problem happens to be, while others choose to run from their troubles.
Running away from problems may seem like an easier route. Why would we want to feel discomfort if we have the option to ignore the problem? The truth is that people often pick up maladaptive coping techniques when trying to avoid their troubles or emotional strife. Substance abuse is a common solution for those who want to numb themselves through a difficult chapter. Sadly, this could result in a much worse scenario: addiction.
Here are some reasons why we might wish to escape our troubles:
We feel overwhelmed. The stress and anxiety attached to the problem at hand cause us to feel overwhelmed. When this occurs we simply don’t know what action to take, so we run.
We lack resilience. Resilience is a trait that allows us to manage the ups and downs of life without melting down when we encounter a difficult challenge. Some of us lack resilience, so we choose to run from the challenge.
We lack confidence. We may not feel we have the answers and don’t know how to tackle the problem or fix it. We lack confidence in our abilities to manage the crisis or issue, so we flee.
We lack patience. Sometimes finding a solution to a problem takes time and effort. We may not possess the patience it takes to resolve the problem, so we decide to just ignore it instead.
We lack coping skills. Some of us simply have undeveloped coping skills. Starting in childhood, we never learned how to work through a challenge and resolve it. Helicopter parenting may be one explanation for this. Overprotective parents ran to the rescue and didn’t allow their child to resolve their problems.
What Can We Do Instead of Running Away From Problems?
As adults, we learn very quickly the consequences of not facing our problems. Running away from problems can lead to even more problems, such as:
Trouble with the IRS.
Loss of child custody.
Loss of a job.
Relationship problems.
Failing in school.
Expired driver’s license or other important documents.
Substance abuse or addiction.
If you are ready to change your life and be better equipped when future challenges come your way. There are benefits to facing your problems, try these handy tips:
Embrace the challenge
As scary as it might seem, facing your problems head-on can lead to immense personal growth. You will gain new skills as you sort out the issue, and with that comes increased confidence. Trust in your abilities and tackle your problems with courage. You may be surprised at how resourceful you are after all.
Improve resilience
Facing tough challenges requires a certain amount of resilience, or the ability to bounce back from troubles. Keeping things in perspective assures you that you will conquer the problem and can have hope in the future. Resilience is like a muscle, the more you use it the stronger it becomes.
Improve your coping skills
If you lack confidence in your ability to cope, don’t just accept that. You can improve your coping skills by first accepting responsibility for the challenge that lies ahead, and then courageously tackling it. Practice building up your coping skills in little chunks. First, look for answers to the problem, stay calm and focused, then grit your teeth and deal with it.
How To Stop Running Away From Difficult Problems
No matter how determined we might be to face a daunting situation, sometimes we need some guidance and support. We need a game plan but have no idea how to go about making one.
Thankfully, there are resources out there to help you every step of the way. Consider these options:
Having someone in your court who can weigh in with suggestions and encouragement can really help you face your problems. A therapist can work with you on a short-term basis. They will help you make a game plan for managing your problem, and provide you with needed coping techniques.
Outpatient program.
Struggling with mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, may be a big part of the problem. When you are feeling emotionally unstable, it is hard to have confidence in yourself. An intensive outpatient program (IOP) can provide a more intensive approach than basic therapy sessions. IOP is even more helpful if you have acquired a substance use problem, as it can provide targeted treatment.
Residential program.
You may have a dual diagnosis, which is having both a mental health disorder and a co-occurring substance use disorder. If so, then a residential dual diagnosis program is the appropriate level of care. Residential treatment offers 24-hour support and a multi-layered schedule of daily therapies and related activities. These include:
Psychotherapy
Group therapy.
12-step program.
Life skills classes.
Relapse prevention skills.
Holistic methods.
Nutrition and exercise.
There is always time to make changes in how you manage your life challenges. It is a choice you make. Do you want to mature into a more capable human being, or do you want to keep running away from your problems? Reach out for help today.
The Treatment Specialist Provides Guidance for Facing Problems
The Treatment Specialist is an online resource for informative articles on mental health conditions and treatment options for adults, teens, and families. If you find yourself always running away from problems instead of facing them, we can help. Please reach out today at (866) 644-7911.
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