danger makes its way to our more evolved brain able to rationally determine what level of risk the threat truly poses as well as problem solve and act strategically But we have to give that information a chance to get there without getting stuck in the response generated by our reptilian brain When Avoidance Becomes the Problem Ask yourself if you reflexively avoid or overreact to things that pose no real danger to you Things that had you paused and considered more carefully you might have realized actually such a big deal By avoiding the things or situations that trigger you essentially deciding that they are too much for you to manage when in reality you could deal with them This diminishing ability to believe in yourself only increases future avoidance Among other misleading thoughts your anxious mind probably seriously underestimates your capabilities on this in chapter 8 look at how to start changing your tendency to avoid WHAT ARE YOU As seen avoidance and escape only beget more avoidance The avoidance loop continues because a habit that becomes unconscious A helpful step is to consciously identify what avoiding so you are no longer doing it on autopilot Take a