What is the clinical term used for a temporary suspension of anxiety and concerns?

The clinical term for a temporary suspension of anxiety and concerns is suppression. Suppression is a defense mechanism that involves consciously pushing distressing thoughts or emotions out of awareness. This allows an individual to temporarily avoid or manage feelings of anxiety, stress, or other negative emotions, thus enabling them to function in daily life without being overwhelmed by these concerns.

In the context of mental health, suppression can provide short-term relief but may not address the underlying issues that cause anxiety. It's important to recognize that while suppression can help in certain situations, it’s generally more beneficial to work through emotions in a healthy manner to achieve long-term well-being.

Other options do not align with the definition of temporary anxiety suspension. For instance, thanatophobia specifically refers to the fear of death, which does not entail a temporary alleviation of anxiety. Suicide is an extreme outcome of mental distress and does not represent a suspension of anxiety but rather a culmination of it. Survivor guilt pertains to feelings of guilt that arise after surviving a traumatic event when others did not, which also does not fit the description of a temporary suspension of anxiety.