So what’s wrong with being an escapist? Therapist Lyn Reed cites its precariousness. “I would argue (this) escapism is an unhealthy way of coping with the challenges in our lives. With the stresses of modern life, escapism is pervasive. It comes in many forms and prevents us from doing what we want to do to improve the circumstances in our real everyday lives.”
Reed expounds that the slope gets slippery when we want to be somebody else. With enough repetition (through escapades) we could come to view ourselves as a totally separate entity from who we actually are, causing self destruction and dissociation.
No matter what escapists are running away from, the impetuses can be traced to fears, sorrows, pains, the past or disappointments.
Studies have suggested that those who use escapism as coping mechanisms to life’s stresses are often depressed. This avoidance of reality and not dealing with issues tend to develop a higher level of depressive symptoms.
Pandering to sweet slumber can’t be all that bad can it? The line is crossed when anything is done in large amounts. Sleeping over half the day to the point where one cannot pursue a normal life is termed escapism. Sleeping too much is worrisome. Oversleeping may be a sign of illness or it could be symptomatic of mental illnesses like depression. Frequently, people use sleep as an escape from a life filled with emotional or physical pain.
Another example is the addiction to the Internet. Overuse is linked to loneliness and compulsiveness. Digital interactions replace face-to-face ones and this can be extremely unhealthy. This results in alienation from friends and family. Productivity and growth is also usually impeded.
Some escape with alcohol or drug abuse. These mood-altering substances provide temporary relief. There is a risk of developing an addiction and addicts often find themselves living a life of denial. Their problems are further perpetuated as they decline in self-compassion and turn a blind eye to the destruction in their lives.
Freelance writer Mike Ryan recounts. “Drugs and alcohol gave me something to look forward to at the end of the day. The thing about addiction is that, at a certain point, instead of using a substance to enhance an activity, the substance use becomes the activity. You don’t have to worry about pursuing other interests. I was perfectly fine watching the same YouTube videos over and over again as long as I was drunk. I could avoid my lack of fulfilment by getting a buzz on so strong that I didn’t care. Drinking and drugging allowed me to ignore the fact that, stripped down and laid bare, my life was void of purpose.”