Why Safety Behaviours are Not Helpful:
- therapy051
- Jul 9, 2024
- 2 min read
When faced with anxiety, it’s common to seek comfort in actions that make us feel safe. These are known as safety behaviours. Although they might provide short-term relief, they often perpetuate anxiety and hinder long-term recovery. Let’s explore why safety behaviours are not helpful.
What Are Safety Behaviours?
Safety behaviours are actions or mental strategies used to prevent or reduce perceived threats and anxiety. They can include:
Avoidance: Steering clear of anxiety-provoking situations.
Reassurance-Seeking: Constantly asking others for validation or confirmation.
Checking: Repeatedly checking things (e.g., checking the stove multiple times to ensure it's off).
Escape: Leaving situations that trigger anxiety as soon as they start to feel uncomfortable.
Distraction: Diverting attention away from anxiety triggers (e.g., using a phone during social interactions).
Why Safety Behaviours Seem Helpful
Immediate Relief:
Safety behaviours can provide a quick fix by temporarily reducing anxiety levels. For example, avoiding a public speaking event might immediately alleviate fear.
Sense of Control:
Engaging in safety behaviours can create an illusion of control over anxiety and feared situations.
Avoiding Discomfort:
By using safety behaviours, individuals avoid the uncomfortable sensations and emotions associated with anxiety.
Why Safety Behaviours are Not Helpful
Reinforcement of Anxiety:
Safety behaviours reinforce the belief that the feared situation is dangerous and that one cannot cope without these behaviours. This maintains and exacerbates anxiety over time.
Prevention of Learning:
By avoiding anxiety-provoking situations, individuals miss opportunities to disconfirm their fears and learn that they can handle these situations. This prevents the development of coping skills and resilience.
Dependence on Safety Behaviours:
Relying on safety behaviours can lead to increased dependence on them, making it harder to face anxiety without these crutches.
Short-Term Fix, Long-Term Problem:
While safety behaviours might offer temporary relief, they do not address the root cause of anxiety. This often results in a cycle where anxiety resurfaces, leading to more reliance on safety behaviours.
Reduced Quality of Life:
Over time, safety behaviours can limit life experiences and opportunities. Avoiding social situations, for example, can lead to isolation and decreased overall well-being.