sounds like me

The other night I was just browsing around and came across a description for avoidant personality disorder. All I could say was, WOW, that is me! I always thought I had social anxiety (more like phobia), anxiety, and depression (all self diagnosed.) So, now I'm not sure where to go from here.

I suppose the correct thing to do is get help. But, that is so expensive, with no guarentee it will help. I did try therapy a couple times. I went for a few sessions but I couldn't see that it would help. I always felt the therapists thought I was a waste of time, there was nothing wrong with me so they were just waiting for me to stop. If I knew for sure someone could help me, I guess I would be willing to invest money for therapy.

Anyway, I just wanted to express my suprise on learning about this disorder that I've never heard of before but really does seem to fit me. In a weird way it makes me feel better knowing about this. And I just wanted to vent a little on knowing I probably need therapy but am unlikely to get it using money, trouble connecting with a therapist and shame (people still look down on you for mental health issues) as a way to "avoid" it.

Hi Blue Coral,
I see a therapist weekly and I've learned that having Avoidant Personality Disorder (untreated for many years) is what led to Major Depression, Dysthimia and Anxiety Disorder NOS. The avoidant part of me is the hardest to recover from. I still have a long way to go and it's not easy.

I know what you mean about the "ah-ha" moment when you read about this disorder. When my therapist explained it to me, I was amazed to hear something that really defines me.

I hope you are able to start seeing a therapist.

Take Care.

Hi, I had the same reaction. Well the first time i read it way back i was too sensitive to read about how badly i thought of myself, but after feeling frustrated with the sAD definition because i don't get the signature symptoms like feeling embarrased to speak up and have sweaty hands i came across the APD and i realised it was exactly me.

yeah, my counselor thinks i may have avoidant personality disorder; its on my record that i have social phobia, tho, but she thinks it may be more the APD. She did say that APD and social phobia are closely related and very similar, tho.

the besy thing to do would be to get a professionla opinion