In today’s fast-paced world, it’s tempting to take shortcuts—especially when dealing with emotional pain or personal challenges. Whether it’s distracting ourselves with work, scrolling through social media, or convincing ourselves that “it’s fine,” many of us end up working around our problems rather than through them. While avoidance can bring short-term relief, it often leads to deeper stress, anxiety, and emotional fatigue in the long run. True healing and growth come from facing our challenges head-on.
Working through a problem requires courage and self-compassion. It means acknowledging discomfort, sitting with difficult emotions, and seeking understanding rather than escape. This might involve having an honest conversation, journaling about our feelings, or reaching out to a therapist or trusted friend for support. In contrast, working around problems creates emotional clutter. The unresolved issues don’t disappear; they resurface in relationships, habits, or moods. Over time, avoidance can lead to burnout, emotional numbness, or a sense of disconnection from oneself.
When we work around a problem, we essentially sidestep it. This might mean ignoring a conflict with a loved one instead of addressing it, numbing painful emotions through substances or busyness, or convincing ourselves that something doesn’t matter when it clearly does. These coping mechanisms may protect us temporarily, but they don’t resolve the underlying issue. Over time, unaddressed problems can build up, manifesting as irritability, sleep disturbances, or even physical symptoms like headaches and fatigue.
Processing pain doesn’t mean wallowing in it—it means allowing ourselves to feel, reflect, and learn. Through this process, we often discover strengths we didn’t know we had and gain clarity that helps prevent similar struggles in the future. Avoidance also reinforces fear. Each time we choose not to face something difficult, we send a subtle message to ourselves that we can’t handle it. This can undermine self-confidence and resilience—two essential pillars of good mental health.
Ultimately, while it takes courage and vulnerability to work through life’s difficulties, doing so lays the foundation for long-term mental well-being. It’s an investment in yourself—a path toward healing rather than hiding. The sooner we face what we fear, the sooner we can find peace.
When we work through problems instead of avoiding them, we build emotional resilience. We strengthen our ability to tolerate distress, regulate emotions, and adapt to change. This not only reduces anxiety and depression but also improves relationships, self-esteem, and overall life satisfaction.
Avoidance may feel easier in the moment, but it keeps us stuck. Working through problems—though often uncomfortable—is an act of self-respect and emotional growth. Each time we face what hurts, we move closer to healing, authenticity, and lasting mental well-being.
Mental health thrives in honesty and effort. By confronting problems head-on, we learn healthier ways to cope, grow stronger through adversity, and build emotional intelligence. It's not about solving everything overnight—progress may be slow and painful—but every step toward clarity reduces the weight of what we carry.
Remember: the way out is often through.
“Don’t Go Around It — Grow Through It.”
Lisa Sutherland
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