By Bertus Coetzer, Dietitian and Nutritional Psychologist

"The dose makes the poison."

This age-old adage, often attributed to the Renaissance physician Paracelsus, reminds us that even the most benign substances can become harmful in excess. Similarly, in the realm of psychology and personal growth, the concept of escapism serves as a poignant example of this principle.

Escapism, in its essence, is a powerful coping method. It offers us a temporary respite from the challenges and discomforts of life, allowing our minds and souls a momentary reprieve. Imagine it as a mental vacation, a brief sojourn away from the pressing matters of reality. However, like any vacation, there's a time to return home.

When used sensibly, escapism can be a form of self-care. It temporarily disengages us from our problems, providing a moment to breathe, recalibrate, and re-energize. Think of it as a pit stop in the marathon of life.

But what happens when the pit stop becomes the main event?

Too much escapism can morph into a defense mechanism, shielding us from any discomfort, no matter how minor.

This over-reliance can pave the way for behavioral addictions like

• gambling,
• binge-eating,
• substance abuse
• or even excessive daydreaming.

It's akin to using a band-aid for a wound that requires stitches.

The key lies in distinguishing between healthy escapism and chronic avoidance.

While the former serves as a rejuvenating break, the latter becomes a habitual way of evading our problems.

Imagine being so engrossed in a book that you forget to attend to your daily responsibilities. That's when escapism shifts from being a refueling station to becoming the very purpose of our existence.

The repercussions? Strained relationships, workplace challenges, and a stunted personal growth journey.

So, what drives us towards this excessive escapism?

It could stem from feelings of loneliness, boredom, or even a compensatory mechanism for a lack of genuine human interaction. Norwegian psychologist Frode Stenseng offers an insightful perspective, categorizing escapism into two types based on the underlying motivation:

1. Self-suppression: These are numbing activities, like abusing alcohol or drugs. They stem from a desire to evade unpleasant emotions.
2. Self-expansion: Activities like meditation or creating art fall under this category. They are driven by a quest for positive experiences and self-discovery.

In the grand tapestry of life, it's crucial to strike a balance. While 'avoidant' coping strategies like temporary distractions have their place, we must also embrace 'approach-oriented' techniques.

Facing challenges head-on, after all, is often the best way to overcome them.

In conclusion, escapism is undoubtedly a valuable tool in our wellbeing toolkit. But remember, it's just one of many. Use it wisely, and always in the right dose.

After all, as the saying goes, "The dose makes the poison." And in the journey of personal growth, it's all about finding the right balance.

Reflection Questions:

1. Self-awareness: Can you identify a recent situation where you used escapism as a coping mechanism? What were you trying to avoid or distract yourself from?
2. Balance: Reflect on your escapism habits. Do they lean more towards self-suppression or self-expansion? How can you incorporate more self-expanding activities into your routine?
3. Interpersonal Relationships: Have your escapism tendencies ever affected your relationships with loved ones or colleagues? If so, how did you address the situation?
4. Growth: Think about a challenge you recently faced. Instead of resorting to escapism, how could you have tackled it head-on? What approach-oriented techniques could you have employed?
5. Future Actions: Moving forward, how can you ensure that your escapism remains a healthy, rejuvenating break rather than a chronic avoidance tactic?

Use these questions as a guide to introspect and better understand your relationship with escapism. Remember, self-awareness is the first step towards personal growth and wellbeing.