Are You Addicted to Escapism?

There are times when just seems like too much. Our responsibilities start piling up. Deadlines, relationship problems, finances— they all start to weigh on you until it feels like you just. Can’t. Deal. When you’re dealing with all this pressure, it’s tempting to check out and disappear into your favorite fantasy world.

I get it. I’ve definitely spent more hours than I’d like to admit binge-watching shows or scrolling TikTok to avoid dealing with, well, everything. The reason escapism is so tempting is because it gives us a mental vacation from whatever’s weighing us down. Trust me, you’re definitely not alone in this.

And taking a little mental break is often a good thing. The problem is when it become a habit that interferes with your ability to actually live your life. For example, you might find yourself seeking out these distractions instead of facing your problems head-on. Or when you’re dealing with something scary, you choose to ignore it and bury your head in the proverbial sand. Relaxing and recharging are one thing, but it’s a whole different story if escapism becomes a way for you to avoid reality completely. When that happens, it can start to negatively impact your life in ways you might recognize.

But is there a chance that you’re actually addicted to escapism?  How can you tell when those harmless guilty pleasures become something more? And, most importantly, what can you do if you realize you’re using your favorite distractions to hide from what’s really happening around you? We’ve all been there, and it’s totally fixable—you just need to know the signs and be willing to make a change.

Key Takeaways:

• Escapism can be a healthy way to recharge, but it becomes unhealthy when used to avoid real-life responsibilities or emotions.
• People often escape to cope with overwhelming stress, boredom, or uncomfortable situations, but constant avoidance only adds to long-term anxiety.
• Signs of unhealthy escapism include missing out on real-life experiences, neglecting responsibilities, and using distractions as a default coping mechanism.
• To break the cycle, set boundaries with your escapes, face discomfort head-on, and reconnect with real-life relationships and activities.

What Is Escapism?

“Escapism is a tendency to seek escape and distraction from reality or real-life problems,” explain researchers Hanna Jouhki and Atte Oksanen in an article in the journal Substance Use and Misuse.

Escapism is a coping strategy that people use to take a mental break from the heaviness, boredom, or overwhelm of life. We all do it. Think about the times you’ve queued up a binge-worthy series, gotten lost in a video game for hours, or scrolled through social media until you lose track of the time.

In small doses, these little escapes give us a break from the stress and chaos we are experiencing.

That’s what’s important to remember. It’s not just about zoning out and completely ignoring reality. It’s often a tool for coping. Escapism frequently feels like a mental vacation where you don’t have to deal with whatever’s stressing you out IRL.

What works for each person will vary. For me, it’s usually getting wrapped up in a good book or saving dream houses on Zillow. For the most part, such examples of escapism can be pretty harmless. It can serve as a healthy way to recharge your mental batteries.

We’re not meant to be “on” all the time. Sometimes, you need that downtime to relax and reset.

But escapism becomes tricky when it stops being just a break and turns into something more significant. Like when you start using it to avoid anything uncomfortable. Instead of dealing with your emotions, responsibilities, or even the people around you, you disconnect and tune it out. It’s those times when you think “just one more episode” or “I’ll deal with that later,” but when “later” never comes.

Escapism often comes in two forms:

• Self-expansion: This type of escapism is adaptive. It helps you cope in a healthy way while also building skills that can help you manage different aspects of your life.
• Self-suppression: This is a form of maladaptive escapism. It’s unhealthy and can hold you back from growing as a person. Research has also shown that it has a negative effect on well-being.

Why Do People Engage in Escapism?

Why do we feel the need to escape in the first place? Life is really hard sometimes, and thee are times when it can be messy and overwhelming. When times are tough, we sometimes find we need a break, even if it’s just a mental one. Stress from school, family, finances, work, and other pressures can pile up. So it’s natural to want to step away for a bit and give your mind a break.

One study found that during the COVID-19 pandemic, excessive online behaviors (including excessive gaming and internet use) were motivated by escapism. Such research highlights the need for people to work on healthy coping skills in times of stress and uncertainty.

When my life was in absolute chaos (thanks to kids, work, and romantic challenges), I’d sometimes find myself scrolling through the highlight reels of people who seemed to have it all together. At times, it felt easier to distract myself than to deal with my to-do list or, honestly, my own thoughts. And that’s the thing: escapism often comes from a place of wanting to avoid what feels too big, too stressful, or just too much to handle in the moment. Your feelings are valid, and it’s okay to feel this way.

But escapism isn’t always about wanting to get away from problems. Sometimes, escapism isn’t about avoiding the bad or hard things in life. It can be a way to inject a little excitement or comfort when life feels, well, boring. We’re wired to seek out the things that make us feel good. So it’s perfectly expected to keep turning to life’s indulgences to help us feel better when things get too tough or boring. 

When Does Escapism Become Unhealthy?

Escapism can definitely be comforting. That’s why it’s so tempting to want to stay in that safe little bubble for as long as you can. Unfortunately, reality often comes knocking, whether we want it to or not.

So, how can you tell when it’s crossed the line from being a harmless break to something that might just be a little toxic? Unfortunately, that line is sometimes a lot blurrier than you might expect.

For one friend, it started with just a few extra hours of Netflix to avoid tackling his ever-growing pile of responsibilities. “I deserve a break,” he’d tell himself. Totally valid, right? It was, until he started staying up until the pre-dawn hours. His all-night binges soon started interfering with his daytime life, which started to create even more problems. Truly a vicious cycle. 

When you’re escaping because it’s easier than facing what’s in front of you, that’s when it gets tricky. It’s one thing to unwind after a long day, but not when you’re using escapism to avoid *every* difficult emotion or situation. When that happens, you’re not taking a break; you’re running from reality.

The problem is that unhealthy escapism can sneak up on you. You might start choosing your escape over spending time with friends, avoiding texts, or putting off important tasks. Or perhaps you notice that whenever you feel anxious, sad, or stressed, you immediately turn to your favorite distractions instead of dealing with the situation. 

It seems harmless at first, but over time, it can make life feel even more overwhelming because now you’re avoiding the stuff that needs attention. And if your go-to escape becomes your *only* coping mechanism, it can seriously mess with your mental health (and ability to function in your daily life).

Escapism is a bit like putting a bandaid on something that actually needs stitches. It’s covering things up for the moment. The problem will only get worse (and leave a deeper scar) if you don’t deal with it the right way.

When escapism becomes the default. When you start turning to distractions not just because they’re fun but because real life is too uncomfortable, complicated, or scary to face. You’re not just taking a break at that point—you’re hiding.

The Impact of Unhealthy Escapism

Unhealthy escapism can have serious negative effects on your life. In one study, researchers found that problematic internet use is linked to escapism and other avoidant, negative coping strategies.

In one study, researchers found that escapism was connected with a stronger identification with media characters. This tendency also contributed to a heightened tendency to engage in binge-watching TV. 

Binge-watching could be interpreted as a coping strategy for media escapists, who enjoy TV series as a privileged online space in which the need to escape finds its fulfillment, allowing them to manage loneliness by identifying with a fictitious character.

Researchers explain in an article published in Frontiers in Psychology

Researchers have also found that escapism is linked to substance use problems, including drinking, smoking, and drug use. People who use substances as a form of escape also have lower life satisfaction.

Unhealthy escapism isn’t always easy to spot. It can be comforting in the short-term. The problem is often only apparent once you start experiencing those long-term detrimental effects. When you spend too much time running away from reality, life starts piling up behind you, and suddenly you’re buried under things you’ve been ignoring. Trust me, I’ve been there, thinking, *“I’ll deal with it later”*—until “later” turns into “I’m way too overwhelmed to even start.”

Unhealthy escapism often means you are leaving tasks undone. Procrastination and avoidance then lead to more anxiety, guilt, and stress. 

It’s like putting off cleaning your room—one day of ignoring the mess isn’t a big deal, but after weeks of throwing your clothes on the floor, you’re trapped in chaos, and you don’t even know where to start cleaning. That same feeling applies to your mind. Avoiding reality means pushing aside tough emotions and real-life challenges, and over time, that emotional clutter can seriously weigh you down.

Escapism can also interfere with your relationships and leave you isolated and disconnected from the people who care about you the most. Instead of spending time with your social support system, you might neglect them to indulge in your distractions. 

It’s easier to scroll endlessly or lose yourself in a video game than to engage with the people around you, but that disconnect only feeds the loneliness. This can leave you stuck in a cycle of avoidance where you want to fix the problem, but you aren’t sure where to start. So when you start to feel overwhelmed, you turn back to the same forms of escapism that are keeping you trapped and unable to confront the issue head-on.

How to Tell If You’re Addicted to Escapism

Spotting the signs that you’re leaning too hard on escapism as a distraction isn’t always easy. If you’re asking yourself this question, it might be time to check in with your habits. 

• Start with a little self-reflection. If you’re first instinct is to reach for a distraction whenever you get stress, you might be over-relying on escapism. Like maybe you spend more time glued to your phone when you don’t want to deal with what’s happening in real life. It’s not the end of the world to procrastinate every now and then, but if your instinct is to always run away from what’s difficult or uncomfortable, that’s a sign.
• Are you missing out on real-life experiences? Maybe you’re choosing your favorite escape over hanging out with friends or skipping plans because you’d rather stay in your safe little bubble. It’s easy to convince yourself that it’s just a preference (I mean, who doesn’t want a cozy night in sometimes?), but if it’s happening more often than not, you could be isolating yourself without even realizing it.
• Are you avoiding your responsibilities? If you’re constantly putting off important things (work, school, relationships) because your escape feels *way* more appealing, that’s a red flag. I used to tell myself I’d “get to it later” all the time, but eventually, “later” became an endless loop of avoidance. Whether it’s leaving unread emails in your inbox or avoiding uncomfortable conversations, if you’re constantly running from reality, your life might be running off the rails a little more than you think.

If you find yourself using escapism to dodge life instead of just taking a well-deserved break, it might be time to hit pause and ask, “What am I really trying to avoid?”

How to Break the Addiction to Escapism

Alright, so you’ve realized that maybe you’ve been leaning on escapism a little *too* much. No judgment—we’ve all been there. The good news? You can totally break the cycle. It’s not about giving up your favorite escapes (because, honestly, we all need our Netflix marathons), but more about finding balance and facing life head-on when it counts.

Set Boundaries with Your Escapes

First things first—set some limits. If you know you tend to lose hours to TikTok or video games, start by setting a timer. It sounds simple, but trust me, those hours can add up fast if you’re not paying attention. I’ve found that giving myself a set amount of time to chill (like an hour or two max) keeps things in check. It’s not about cutting out your escape altogether, just putting a boundary around it so it doesn’t take over.

Get Comfortable with Discomfort

Here’s the part no one wants to hear—sometimes you’ve just gotta sit with the tough stuff. Whether it’s stress, anxiety, or awkward situations, avoiding them only makes them worse in the long run. It’s like ripping off a Band-Aid: painful, yes, but necessary.

Start small by facing one thing you’ve been avoiding, whether it’s replying to that email, tackling a task you’ve put off, or having that uncomfortable conversation. Once you realize it’s not as bad as you thought, it gets easier to face the next challenge.

Find Healthy Alternatives

When you feel the urge to escape, try mixing in some healthier options. I’m not saying you need to swap your entire Netflix queue for meditation (unless that’s your thing, in which case, go for it). But balance is key. If you’re feeling stressed, try going for a walk, journaling, or calling a friend instead of zoning out. Find activities that help you recharge without totally disconnecting from reality.

Reconnect with Real Life

One of the biggest side effects of unhealthy escapism is isolation. So, start reconnecting with the people and activities that matter. Plan a hangout with friends, spend time with family, or pick up a hobby that keeps you engaged with the world.

It might feel awkward at first (especially if you’ve been hiding away for a while), but human connection is one of the best antidotes to the loneliness that often comes with too much escapism.

Address the Root Cause

Finally, it’s time to dig deep. Ask yourself: *What am I escaping from?* Is it stress? Boredom? Emotional pain? Sometimes, it’s as simple as feeling overwhelmed by life, but other times, there might be deeper issues at play—like anxiety, depression, or trauma. If that’s the case, consider talking to someone about it, whether it’s a trusted friend, family member, or therapist.

Sometimes, dealing with the root cause makes the urge to escape a lot less powerful.

Breaking the cycle of unhealthy escapism isn’t about giving up the things you love—it’s about making sure those things don’t become your only way of coping. Balance the escape with real-life engagement, and you’ll find that you don’t need to run away from reality as often as you think.

Final Thoughts

Escapism isn’t all bad—in fact, sometimes, it’s exactly what we need to recharge. It’s a problem when it starts to become our only way of handling stress, anxiety, or even boredom. We all need a break from time to time, but life can’t be avoided forever.

Striking a balance is the key. It’s okay to indulge in your favorite escapes, but make sure you’re also facing the things that need your attention. By setting limits, getting comfortable with discomfort, and reconnecting with the world around you can help you live more in the present without feeling the need to disengage. If you ever find yourself falling back into your old habits, don’t beat yourself up. Instead, try to do a mental reset and try again. What matters is that you keep moving forward, one step at a time.

So, next time you’re tempted to lose yourself in a day-long binge of distractions, ask yourself: *Am I running away, or just taking a break?* When you know the difference, you can escape in a way that’s healthy and fun but still leaves room for real life.

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Sources:

Gabbiadini, A., Baldissarri, C., Valtorta, R. R., Durante, F., & Mari, S. (2021). Loneliness, Escapism, and Identification With Media Characters: An Exploration of the Psychological Factors Underlying Binge-Watching Tendency. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 785970. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.785970

Jouhki, H., Savolainen, I., Sirola, A., & Oksanen, A. (2022). Escapism and excessive online behaviors: A three-wave longitudinal study in Finland during the COVID-19 pandemic. International journal of environmental research and public health, 19(19), 12491. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912491

Jouhki H, Oksanen A. To get high or to get out? Examining the link between addictive behaviors and escapism. Subst Use Misuse. 2022;57(2):202-211. doi:10.1080/10826084.2021.2002897

Stenseng, F., Steinsholt, I. B., Hygen, B. W., & Kraft, P. (2023). Running to get “lost”? Two types of escapism in recreational running and their relations to exercise dependence and subjective well-being. Frontiers in psychology, 13, 1035196. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1035196

Yildirim Demirdöğen, E., Akinci, M. A., Bozkurt, A., Bayraktutan, B., Turan, B., Aydoğdu, S., Ucuz, İ., Abanoz, E., Yitik Tonkaz, G., Çakir, A., & Ferahkaya, H. (2024). Social media addiction, escapism and coping strategies are associated with the problematic internet use of adolescents in Türkiye: a multi-center study. Frontiers in psychiatry, 15, 1355759. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1355759