Demand avoidance
DEMAND AVOIDANCE
Moments that can intensify the experience
Demand avoidance can describe a strong resistance or stress response when something feels imposed, controlling, sudden or overwhelming. The behaviour alone does not explain the reason underneath it.
This resource explores six situations that may make demand avoidance harder:
1. Being told rather than asked
2. Loss of choice or control
3. Repeated reminders
4. A demand arrives suddenly
5. The task feels pointless
6. Pressure while already overloaded
WHAT IS INSIDE THE FULL GUIDE
The PDF looks beyond the final visible difficulty and explores the load underneath. It includes practical ways to reduce demands, ideas for home, relationships, work and education, a dedicated reflection worksheet, a personal message from Maggie, book recommendations and professional context.
A PRACTICAL STARTING POINT
Reduce unnecessary pressure and increase clarity, choice and collaboration. Offer a genuine route into the task, allow processing time and distinguish ‘cannot yet’ from ‘will not’.
This is not about blaming yourself for finding something difficult. The aim is to notice patterns earlier, make information and time more visible, reduce unnecessary pressure and build recovery into everyday life.
The resource is psychoeducational and is not a diagnostic checklist. If difficulties are significantly affecting daily life, safety or wellbeing, professional support may be helpful.
Space to Breathe Therapy
NOTICE THE LOAD • PAUSE • REDUCE DEMANDS • RECOVER
