Cognitive Bypassing
Cheryl Pereeia on cognitive bypassing to avoid life struggles
Cognitive bypassing refers to a phenomenon in which individuals avoid engaging with or addressing their own cognitive and emotional processes by relying on external sources or strategies that provide quick fixes or distractions. It is a defence mechanism that people adopt to avoid facing uncomfortable thoughts, emotions, or challenges associated with life struggles such as grief, loss, or stress that arise in their lives. Rather than confronting and processing their internal experiences, individuals may resort to various forms of bypassing. There are many trends of cognitive bypassing, such as excessive consumption of entertainment media, substance abuse, and spiritual bypassing (using spiritual or religious practices to escape from personal struggles).
While cognitive bypassing may offer temporary relief or a sense of control, it ultimately hinders personal growth, self-awareness, and the development of healthy coping mechanisms.
One common form of cognitive bypassing is the excessive use of technology and social media. In an increasingly digital world, it has become easier than ever to distract ourselves from uncomfortable thoughts and emotions by constantly seeking external stimuli. Whether it's mindlessly scrolling through social media feeds or binge-watching television shows, these activities provide a temporary escape from the challenges of everyday life. However, by relying on these distractions, individuals fail to address the underlying emotional struggles that may be contributing to their discomfort. This form of bypassing can perpetuate a cycle of avoidance and hinder genuine self-reflection and personal growth.
Another form of cognitive bypassing is intellectualizing or over-analysing situations without fully engaging with the associated emotions. This occurs when individuals detach themselves from their emotional experiences and instead rely solely on rationality and logical thinking. While intellectualizing can provide a sense of control and distance from difficult emotions, it often neglects the importance of emotional processing and understanding. By avoiding the emotional aspect of experiences, individuals may miss out on valuable insights and fail to fully integrate their thoughts and feelings. This can inhibit meaningful connections with others and experience a more fulfilling and authentic life.
Cognitive bypassing can be detrimental to an individual’s overall wellbeing, since it prevents them from processing their feelings in a healthy way. This is why it’s important for those who are dealing with life struggles, grieving or dealing with emotional issues to seek out professional help from professionals such as counselors or wellness coaches. These professionals can provide guidance and support in navigating through these difficult emotions that come up when dealing with challenging circumstances, as well as helping individuals find healthier ways of coping with their struggles.
