Why People with PTSD Start Avoiding Everything

Avoidance is one of the most misunderstood and overlooked symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While many people associate PTSD with flashbacks, nightmares, or hypervigilance, the avoidance symptoms often operate quietly—but powerfully—in the background. They shape how a person thinks, what they do, and where they feel safe. These behaviors aren’t just fear-based—they’re a desperate attempt to avoid the emotional pain and reminders tied to trauma. This video explores the two main forms of avoidance in PTSD: cognitive avoidance (avoiding thoughts and memories) and behavioral avoidance (avoiding people, places, or situations). From constantly distracting yourself with noise or activity to withdrawing from social relationships, PTSD avoidance can make a person’s world feel smaller and more limited over time. Many people don’t realize how much of their life is shaped by efforts to not think or feel certain things. Understanding avoidance is essential for healing. While these strategies might seem protective, they actually maintain PTSD symptoms by preventing the brain from processing what happened. The more we avoid, the more powerful the trauma remains. Recognizing these behaviors is the first step toward taking your life back. Become a member to help support the mission of the channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_hrVE5btg_lY20sky_-55g/join Watch all of my videos for free at: http://www.psychologyvideos.ca For more information about Dr. Rami Nader, visit: http://www.cbt.raminader.com DISCLAIMER: The videos provided here on this YouTube Channel are for informational use only. The video content provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. These videos do not establish a psychologist/client relationship. Always seek the advice of your doctor or mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen on this channel. Dr. Rami Nader assumes no duty to correct or update the video content nor to resolve or clarify any inconsistent information that may be a part of the video content. Reliance on any content is solely at the viewer’s risk. Dr. Rami Nader hereby disclaims any and all liability to any party for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of the said video content, which is provided as is, and without warranties. 29166 (140)