If you’ve ever sidestepped a tough conversation, ignored a problem, or avoided something that scares you, this episode is for you.
Avoidance and anxiety often go hand-on-hand. Avoiding a problem helps you feel better right now, but it leads to long-term problems. It also makes anxiety worse in the long run.
Today I’m joined by Dr. Robin Walser, clinical psychologist and expert in acceptance and commitment therapy. Together, we explore why we avoid, how it impacts our mental health, and—most importantly—how to break free from the avoidance cycle.
Some of the things we talk about are:
- Why avoidance feels good in the short term but keeps you stuck in the long run
- How avoidance shrinks your life and disconnects you from the things that matter most to you
- The surprising ways avoidance is reinforced—and how to break the cycle
- How to face uncomfortable emotions without feeling overwhelmed
- Why connecting with your values can help you face the things you're trying to avoid
- How to take small steps toward the things you’ve been avoiding
- The link between facing your discomfort and mental strength
Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium for exclusive content like bonus episodes, signed books, and 30-day challenges that will keep you growing stronger.
Links & Resources
RobynWalser.com
You Are Not Your Trauma
Connect with the Show
Buy a copy of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do
Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor
Visit my website — AmyMorinLCSW.com
Sponsors
HoneyLove — Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/STRONGER #honeylovepod
CocoaVia — Get 20% off with code Amy2025 at cocoavia.com.
OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at https://www.oneskin.co/
Quince - Go to Quince.com/stronger for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns!
ZocDoc — Go to Zocdoc.com/STRONGER to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today!
Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at Shopify.com/mentallystronger
Life Kit — Listen to the Life Kit podcast from NPR.
Mentally Strong App — Take your mental strength to the next level. Sign up at AmyMorinLCSW.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
