By Dr. Goodman

In today’s world, the ability to avoid our inner struggles is more accessible than ever. We live in a culture that encourages distraction, and it’s no wonder so many of us have turned to vices—substances, endless screen time, relentless work hours—all in an attempt to numb the discomfort of our own feelings. Yet, ironically, the very act of escaping ourselves is what keeps us imprisoned in patterns that don’t serve us.
I recently had a client who epitomized this struggle. They came to me not with any of the traditional addictions, but with a dependency on constant activity, social media, and approval from others. They were “clean” by all conventional standards: no drugs, alcohol, or the usual addictive behaviors. But they were trapped by an addiction far more elusive—an addiction to avoiding silence and solitude, a fear of meeting themselves without any distractions.

The Psychology Behind Numbing Out
Addiction, in any form, serves as a rescuer. It’s the invisible armor protecting us from feeling vulnerable, hurt, or scared. Whether through workaholism, perfectionism, or the instant gratification of social media likes, these behaviors shield us from what Carl Jung famously referred to as the “shadow self”—the hidden aspects of ourselves that we may fear confronting.
The truth is, our addictions aren’t us, but they become such an intimate part of our lives that we mistake them for essential parts of ourselves. They morph into companions in our everyday existence, always within reach to comfort and distract. But just as they comfort, they also deceive, keeping us away from real growth and true fulfillment.

Facing the Dark Night of the Soul
The path to genuine freedom begins with a brave step: sitting alone with your feelings. It’s a process I call the “dark night of the soul,” where you encounter parts of yourself you’ve long ignored. This isn’t easy work, and it’s not meant to be. But here’s the truth I tell my clients: the only way out is through.
By moving through this process, my clients learn that they’re not victims of their circumstances, nor are they defined by their reactions. They begin to reclaim their power by noticing when they reach for distractions, examining the emotions behind these urges, and learning to sit with them, rather than push them away.
A Path Forward: Techniques You Can Start Using Today
For anyone reading this who feels the pull of numbing behaviors, here are some small steps you can take:
Daily Mindful Check-Ins. Set aside just five minutes each day to ask yourself what you’re feeling. Don’t judge your emotions; just name them. Awareness is the first step toward healing.
Create Buffer Zones. Instead of jumping from one task to another, give yourself a few minutes of transition time between activities. It’s incredible what these “mini-breaks” can reveal about your mental state.
Limit Your Screen Time. Especially when you’re alone, try setting boundaries around your phone and social media usage. Pay attention to what surfaces when you don’t have the instant distraction of a screen.
Book a 30-Minute Discovery Call. If you’re finding this path difficult to navigate alone, remember, you don’t have to. I work with clients every day to dissolve the patterns that hold them back. Together, we uncover the roots of these behaviors, breaking down the need to numb and building the courage to feel fully.

A Stronger Tomorrow Begins Today
Breaking free from any form of numbing behavior is not about depriving yourself; it’s about setting yourself free. Imagine living a life where you no longer need to escape because you are at peace within yourself.
So, if you’re ready to take that first step toward a fuller, more authentic life, reach out. Schedule a 30-minute discovery call with me at www.goodmanfactor.com. Together, we’ll work to help you unlock the resilience you already possess, empowering you to confront life’s challenges with strength and clarity.
Let’s move from numbing to living, from distraction to presence. Because at the end of the day, freedom isn’t found in what we avoid, but in what we’re willing to face head-on. If you're ready to dive deeper and break free from what’s been holding you back, coaching with me could be the right step forward. I use powerful techniques like Neuro Emotional Technique (NET), which helps release unresolved stress and emotional patterns at their core. Together, we’ll work through these blocks, all from the comfort of a Zoom or phone session, giving you tools that support lasting transformation. Let’s start this journey together—schedule a call today to see how we can unlock a more fulfilling, resilient you. Visit goodmanfactor.com to learn more or book a free 30-minute discovery session.
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