When stress starts to feel paralyzing in this way, we can tend to go into escapism mode. In escapism mode, we have to work to actively ignore our stressors. This is not the same thing as making room to experience joy. Escapism says there is only room for ignorance, numbness, and avoidance. Joy is an outlet that allows us to continue to engage in the stress, to continue to fight for what we believe in and continue to hope for a better future.