How do I tell the difference between: avoidance behavior and getting on with my life? Just did an exposure (one of those awful ones that can’t be “undone”). As I drove away, my mind would start saying “But what if—“ and I pushed it away, distracted myself, every time it came up. But...I thought it was a bad idea to distract yourself from uncomfortable thoughts? So, was pushing the thought away compulsive avoidance, or was it getting on with my life?

I can relate on some level, and this happens to me as well. The best thing I have found is NOT to push the thoughts away - the more we tell ourselves “I don’t want the thoughts”, the more they we train our brain that they are something to be feared, and the more they come back. It sounds like distracting yourself was an avoidance behavior because you didn’t want the thought. Instead, notice the thought for being there, acknowledge it, allow it to stay for as long as it wants to stay, but if you are able, also move on to do an activity that is relevant to you at the moment. It’s tough to let the thought sit there, I am going through that currently, but remember, you are not your thoughts and thoughts are just thoughts. They are neither good nor bad. For me, I have found a lot of strength in actually telling myself “okay thoughts, come on in. It’s okay. Stay as long as you want.” When the thoughts do come in, I just notice them and move on. It becomes easier for me not to apply a meaning to the thought when I see them just as thoughts and nothing to do with who I am. You can still move on with your life and also have thoughts. Also, this is just my opinion. Please speak with your counselor to see what the best course of action is for you. Hope this helps!

I have been strugglig with the Same thing lately.

Pushing away thoughts= compulsion. After an exposure you need to stay with the anxiety and the uncertainty. Welcome the scary thoughts and the scary feelings. Do nothing to calm yourself, let the anxiety diminish on its own.