In philosophy, the phenomenon of escapism is not adequately covered. This phenomenon is mostly discussed at the household level or in the aspect of psychology. A few studies are devoted to the so-called escapist literary works. As a rule, these are creations in the genre of science fiction or fantasy.
Escapism - what is it? This phenomenon is a very interesting multifaceted problem that deserves a separate philosophical study. At the same time, it is important to take for granted the fact that the phenomenon in question is part of the psyche of any individual, forcing us to engage in the continuous creation of points of attraction to which consciousness is so eager to “escape”.
Everything is good in moderation
Many of us are more or less characterized by escapism. That this phenomenon can take on painful, perverted forms, experts have established long ago. Most of the vocabulary definitions of the phenomenon under consideration have a negative connotation, since they describe the individual’s weakness and lack of ability to hold a blow to everyday problems. At the same time, if it is possible to find a person who does not have an escapist consciousness at all, we will most likely encounter a special mental pathology. Agree, it’s hard even to imagine an individual who has absolutely no imagination.
Nevertheless, this phenomenon cannot be equated with fantasy. The latter is only the most common form of such a thing as escapism. That this is simply an implementation of escapist consciousness must be taken into account when considering the characteristics of a particular personality.
Research problems
The first stumbling block is the stereotype of the exceptional negativity of this phenomenon. A significant role is played by the popular contrast of the real material world with floating in the clouds. Many automatically characterize reality as good, and fantasies as bad. Against this, one can immediately imagine the following argument: at first, many scientific discoveries were only in the thoughts of inventors. And there is no particular problem in that imaginary reality plays no less a role in people's lives than the material world, no. Ability to break away from the current moment, among other things, distinguishes a reasonable person from animals.
The second difficulty for researchers is that it is very difficult to find a clear definition of the concept of "escapism." What is it? Mental disorder? Social deviation? This phenomenon cannot be called a separate case of the manifestation of the psyche. It is a characteristic feature of human being.
Roots of the problem
Many creative people and ordinary citizens know firsthand what escapism is. The reasons for the development of this pathology can be very different: the desire to get away from reality due to global fatigue, and constant aggression from others, and dissatisfaction with oneself. Any of the above factors or their combination can trigger the mechanism of development of pathology.
On the edge of the abyss
The term "escapism", as a rule, is found in specialized literature next to the term "consciousness" when it comes to the pathological condition of an individual. Psychologists clearly negatively characterize the departure from reality. They even highlight the varieties of this violation:
- rationalization (consists in the redistribution of reality);
- regression (escape from everyday life);
- denial (exclusion of the real world);
- projection (moving inner feelings into the outside world).
Most authors exploring escapism consider this phenomenon, coupled with autism. The latter is characterized by the lack of the individual's ability to socialize, to establish connections with the outside world. The absence of friends in this case is not the result of a conscious refusal to communicate, but the inability to do so. Autistic is characterized by immersion in a narrow problem, focus, even fixation on one issue. Such a person is simply not able to overcome the barrier between the inner world and reality.
As for escapism, it presupposes a completely conscious and more or less controlled “flight”, while the above deviations simply deprive the individual of the opportunity to contact with society. Moreover, a very important productive feature of escapism is the creation of a new reality and partly a new consciousness, while autism does not imply a rich inner world.
Being under the influence of a dissociative flight reaction or in a state of psychogenic fugue, an adherent of escapism risks temporarily losing memory. As a result of this, he can leave his usual environment and begin a new life, being unable to remember anything about that old one. However, this is not characteristic of every person who is inherent in escapism. How to get rid of a similar result of the game of the mind? Experts note that both the appearance and disappearance of the fugue occurs unexpectedly and rapidly. A pathological condition develops as a result of extreme stress, traumatic events, or an identity crisis (especially in adolescents).
Escapism. Signs
A person can choose anything to escape reality: drugs, alcohol, the virtual world, sex, art, and more. The choice of hobby depends on the characteristics of thinking. However, there is one characteristic feature: escapists plunge into the chosen reality with their heads. In some cases, they lead a hermit lifestyle and simply can not live without solitude in a deserted area.
Official medicine does not recognize a disease such as escapism. Psychology and psychiatry take this disorder more seriously. So, it is noted that it can lead to protracted depression, mania and other personality disorders.
It has been established that in some cases a mental reaction leads to a problem, providing protection against severe stress. This is also confirmed by the theory of memory.
Recently, young people of thirteen to twenty-five years old are increasingly affected by escapism. Virtual games open the door to another reality, during which you can become a full-fledged participant in an exciting story. The disorder negatively affects not only mental, but also physical health.
Characteristic problems of an escapist gamer
- Persistent migraines, unbearable headaches.
- Insomnia.
- Problems with the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
- Deterioration in hearing and vision.
Psychological difficulties
- Closure, loss of contact with family and friends.
- Adversity in study, career, family.
- Instability to stress, moral weakness.
- Difficulty adapting to new conditions.
- Personality disorders (narcissism, mania, sociopathy, schizoid disorders, psychopathy, neurosis).
Getting rid of the problem
Do you understand that escapism is preventing you from living normally and developing? Treatment in the clinic will not be offered. You need to break free from fantasy captivity. Learn to look at life without pink glasses and accept reality with all its filth and problems. This is not easy and requires constant training. Feel all the charm of the fact that our life and we are all different. Many unfulfilled dreams are the source of ever growing dissatisfaction with yourself, so forbid yourself often and for a long time to soar in the clouds. Try to realize your fantasies, you can start with the smallest. In the process of their implementation, you simply will not have time for too much.
Organize your brain activity. Routine exacerbates the situation. Solve crosswords, learn languages, learn poems and songs, read - finding yourself something to your liking is not so difficult. Do not hope that someone will cheer you up and have fun. Act for yourself.
Conclusion
Escapism provides an opportunity to live not one, not two, but many lives. We all know how volatile the passage of time. It depends on our own feelings. Just recall how long the minutes of waiting last ... Because of this psychological peculiarity, you can survive much more than a certain period of time than reality allows us. The only danger is that you risk getting lost in the maze of fantasies. Do not make reality a goal in itself. Do not turn temporary shelter into permanent shelter.