‘Doing’ Addiction’ The Fear Of Slowing Down

Do-b, Do-b, DON’T –

June 26, 2024 – For many people, taking a break is a welcome chance to recharge and unwind. For others, the thought of slowing down can stir feelings of anxiety, fear and a sense of looming threat. This paradoxical response is especially prevalent among those grappling with “doing” addiction—a compulsive urge to stay busy to cope with underlying distress.

“Doing” addiction often traces back to difficult experiences in the past. For those affected, activities aren’t just ways to pass time or achieve goals, but they are essential for managing emotional distress. Staying busy serves as a way to avoid facing painful emotions and memories directly.

Over time, this pattern becomes deeply ingrained, morphing into an addiction that offers a temporary escape from discomfort and a feeling of control in an uncertain world. Slowing down, then, feels threatening because it disengages the protective shield of constant activity, exposing individuals to the raw emotions they’ve been avoiding.

Several psychological factors contribute to the fear of slowing down among individuals struggling with “doing” addiction. Here are three key ones.

1. Avoidance Of Negative Emotions