The Spread of Reality Avoidance Syndrome

Reality Avoidance Syndrome, a psychological condition characterized by individuals who go to great lengths to avoid facing the truth or reality, is becoming increasingly prevalent in today’s society. People affected by this syndrome often show signs of Cognitive Dissonance and Truth Trauma and engage in behaviors such as denial, distraction, or even delusion in order to escape from difficult or uncomfortable truths. The spread of this syndrome is concerning, as it can have detrimental effects on individuals’ mental health and overall well-being.

Understanding Reality Avoidance Syndrome

Individuals with Reality Avoidance Syndrome often have a deep-rooted fear of facing reality, whether it be related to their relationships, career, political, or personal beliefs. They may engage in avoidance tactics such as excessive use of social media, substance abuse, or even isolating themselves from others in order to escape from facing the truth. This syndrome can have a significant impact on their mental health, leading to increased feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress.

It is important to note that Reality Avoidance Syndrome is not a formally recognized mental health disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). However, it is a concept that is widely discussed in psychology and has been observed in many individuals across various cultures and demographics. The prevalence of this syndrome highlights the need for increased awareness and understanding of how it can manifest in different ways in individuals’ lives.

Factors Contributing to the Spread

There are several factors that contribute to the spread of Reality Avoidance Syndrome in society. One major factor is the prevalence of technology and social media, which can provide a convenient escape from reality through the constant distraction of scrolling through news feeds or watching videos. Additionally, societal pressures and expectations can also play a role in fueling this syndrome, as individuals may feel overwhelmed by the need to meet certain standards or ideals.

Another contributing factor is the fast-paced nature of modern life, which can lead to individuals feeling overwhelmed by the constant barrage of information and stimuli. As a result, they may turn to avoidance tactics in order to cope with the stress and pressure of everyday life. It is important for individuals to recognize the signs of Reality Avoidance Syndrome in themselves or others and seek help from mental health professionals if needed.

Cognitive Dissonance

Reality Avoidance Syndrome is closely related to Cognitive Dissonance and Truth Trauma. When the world as we know it shows itself to be something dramatically different than what we have believed our entire life, it is traumatic. Cognitive dissonance is a mental coping mechanism. Beginning when details come to light that represent a stark contradiction to what one has always taken for granted to be true and factual.

When mental and emotional stress becomes severe, psychological self-protection begins. Personality traits play a big role. Logic, commonsense and critical thinking are the first casualties to be blocked behind a mental barrier.

Truth Trauma

Truth Trauma: When reality of truth comes to light and replaces fiction or lies.

• Denial, first response, followed by,
• Compromise, then,
• Anger, and finally,
• Acceptance and Coping: Learning how to manage mental anguish, hurt and fear.

 The Four Stages of Truth Trauma:

1. First, when the facts become apparent and can no longer be overlooked, the first protective human reaction is to go into Denial (it did not happen, it’s not real). Worldwide events spurred on by propaganda (Fake News, Fear) is a powerful psychological warfare tactic in use today. The Information War. Mainstream media is losing their propaganda war. Fear (weapon of evil) is the driving force behind the mass psychosis/denial gripping the world today thanks to the narrative pushed by the elite using big money technocracy and the corporate controlled media.
2. Second is Compromise. This is an effort to minimize or lessen the facts of the situation; “It’s not really that bad, don’t worry about it.” “Everything will work itself out and be OK.” “It’s not the end of the world.” “It looks worse than it is.” “It’s blown out of proportion.”
3. Third, Anger rears its ugly head when the unavoidable truth sets in. There is every good reason to be upset. Transition from compromise to anger is a difficult time. Do not linger in despair. Working through this phase is a good time for family and Spiritual Support Systems to usher in coping techniques. This is when energy from anger should be directed towards pursuing positive, righteous, and productive solutions that will lead to a strong coping ability.
4. And finally, Coping. Use this time for building stability through setting goals that help pave the way into a more positive community-oriented future. Transition into a new way of life with a positive set of goals. It’s not about just accepting the reality of the situation, but rather we learn how to continue living our life using our built-in coping mechanisms. Learning how to manage and release mental anguish and hurt. Family, Friends, Church and Professionals give us the social network with the ability to work out the hardships. Successful support systems will rebuild trust, hope, and establish goals with a vision for a positive outlook in the future. You don’t just “get over it” or “forget it”, you learn how to cope and live with it. Healing can be as simple as an open mind and heart, excepting the truth and moving forward with life, to break the cycle of denial, compromise, anger and fear. However, it can also lead to many sleepless nights and daylight nightmares triggering the symptoms of PTSD. Cognitive Dissonance can equate to and have the same effects as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Without coping abilities, cognitive dissonance will persist with defensive maneuvers to preserve stability within themselves and their conceptions of the world around them, a vicious cycle.

To summarize, the spread of Reality Avoidance Syndrome is a concerning trend that can have serious implications for individuals’ mental health and overall well-being. It is essential for society to address this issue by promoting awareness and understanding of the syndrome, as well as providing support and resources for those who may be affected. By acknowledging the presence of Reality Avoidance Syndrome and taking steps to address it, we can work towards creating a healthier and more resilient society.