avoidance and escape These two patterns of behavior allow us to limit or even totally eliminate our contact with whatever makes us feel anxious Reducing contact with anxiety triggers makes us feel better temporarily But avoidance and escape patterns come with hidden one of the most serious costs is that they actually increase anxiety over time This section is designed to help reduce your behaviors Because of the interconnectedness of those three points on the triangle this will in turn also help reduce anxious thoughts and feelings For example if you commit to taking the elevator every day even when your anxiety tells you to avoid it you will change your thoughts elevators so scary after and your feelings time you experience as much fear when you take an Responding to anxiety with behavior makes your world smaller and smaller Eventually you may lose tolerance for even basic interactions As we explore strategies to tackle behavior focus on specific defeating habits doing what you fear accepting anxiety and increasing your tolerance for uncertainty CH APTER FIVE Avoidance Escape The Avoidance Paradox Imagine standing in front of a beautiful pool on a sunny day The pool is full of swimmers making