Esapist

An escapist is an individual who seeks refuge from reality, typically through imaginative or entertaining pursuits. This behavior stems from a desire to avoid the unpleasant aspects of life, such as stress, boredom, or difficult emotions. Escapism can manifest in numerous forms, including immersion in fantasy, entertainment, substance abuse, and excessive daydreaming. While providing temporary relief, excessive escapism can be detrimental, potentially hindering personal growth, problem-solving skills, and the ability to cope with life's challenges. The line between healthy diversion and harmful avoidance is often blurry, and depends on the degree to which someone uses escapism.

Esapist meaning with examples

• John, overwhelmed by his demanding job, became an escapist, spending hours each night immersed in video games and avoiding his responsibilities. His constant gaming, while initially a temporary relief, further isolated him and exacerbated his anxiety. His friends and family noticed the detrimental effects and were concerned about his detachment from real life, causing strain on his relationships and affecting his productivity at work, leading him towards professional help.
• After the loss of her job, Sarah became an escapist, constantly watching reality television to avoid the pressures of job searching and the feelings of rejection. Her friends worried about her dependence on the show, as she never showed interest in seeking a new job. The temporary comfort felt good, but ultimately made her situation worse. Eventually she realized she must deal with her issues at hand.
• Mary, a lifelong escapist, found solace in reading fantasy novels and watching epic films. These pursuits provided an escape from the mundanities of daily life, allowing her to live vicariously through fantastical characters and worlds. However, at times she had to take herself out of her imaginary life to handle what life threw at her.
• Consumed by depression, Tom became an escapist through excessive alcohol use. He tried his best to stay away from negative influences, but it was no good as drinking provided a temporary numbness from his emotional pain. Ultimately, his actions led to health problems and social isolation, worsening his condition.