Why People Protect Their Pain

A number of people are unable to tolerate the prospect of wellness.  They can better tolerate pain since that is expected to hurt.  It is congruent, no matter how painful.  But suppose they tried feeling better, or pursued healthy relationships, those that are supposed to be so good.  Suppose you were to reach for them, and you still felt bad.  You would be out of step, and that is more frightening.  You would have no more hope that someday you might try getting better, and we need hope if we are to survive.  Perhaps it is why some people will settle so readily for survival.  It does provide the protection for our hope.