Escape from Reality

Possibly escapism is as bad as denial. But I'm not certain of that.

If you take the view that it is good to look reality full in the face and dispassionately understand exactly how something is, rather than to pretend it is otherwise, then escapism becomes important. It doesn't make the problem go away, but then you knew it wouldn't because you have already faced the problem squarely and know it won't go away easily.
But what escapism does do is relieve the pressure and suffering slightly. It's a bit like sleep, though of course suffering destroys sleep. Escapism gives you the chance to breathe again and sometimes even takes a bit of the sting away for a while. Even more rarely, sometimes it allows your brain to function again outside the problem and so you are better equipped to deal with the problem.

As long as you don't expect the problem to be solved by escaping, I think it's a good thing. And of course, as long as escaping doesn't destroy yourself or relationships... (so, I think drugs create more problems... just so we're clear!) My personal preference is playing World of Warcraft or, failing that, reading something absorbing.

With denial, you never get to see the problem, but you always have the sense of doom. It makes bigger than it is sometimes, I think. You can never think about managing it because you are always valiantly hoping it won't exist.

I prefer realism and escapism to denial.