[Cattayle10]

I'm a new member just diagnosed with AvPD. It rules my life. How does one cope with this? I can hardly go out of the house. Social life is nil. Thinking about getting a cat. Any suggestions?

[Junerain]

Can you share more, about your particular case of avoidant personality disorder, and what led, to this diagnosis? What is it about going out of the house that you avoid? A cat sounds good, and writing more here sounds good, establishing friendships here, there are many.

[MyBestKids2]

Hi Cattayle10,

Welcome to PC. This is a great community with lots of supportive and kind people.

You must be overwhelmed with your new diagnosis. Did your doctor make any treatment recommendations? I personally have BPD, and have found therapy to be very helpful, as well as a supportive network.

I found this site which may help you during your travels. I'm sorry I don't have more to offer, but please keep us updated!
http://www.avoidantpersonality.com/

Take care,
Dee

[pachyderm]

Avoidance is a technique for survival, so don't put it down too much. It's just that it has drawbacks too, when it isn't voluntary.

I think a cat is good too. I have two.

[ECHOES]

Avoidance is avoiding things that frighten us. Are you working with a therapist?

I love cats and couldn't live with my adopted Tabby

[Fuzzybear]

Therapy helps a lot with AvPD

Also there are many friends to be found here, as said above

(I'd love a cat but am extremely allergic )

[pachyderm]

> I love cats and couldn't live with my adopted Tabby

Without?

[ECHOES]

lol pachy... yes I did mean without.

[Cattayle10]

Thanks for the replies, folks. My avoidant disorder is coupled with Major Depression and anxiety. I don't go out unless I have to get meds or food. Five years ago I was a teacher; now, I'm blessed if I can go to the store without panicking. Am on anti-depressants and an anti-anxiety drug but they don't help that much. Thank you all for replying! This is the most interaction I've had with people in a long time. God Bless.

[Cattayle10]

Thank you for the website recommendation! My doctor and my therapist have both recommended a gentle return to social interaction...very slowly. My supportive network will probably be this forum. Thanks again.

[Cattayle10]

FUZZYBEAR, thanks for your suggestion. Am thinking seriously about getting a "therapy cat"--another beating heart around the house. I'm in therapy now, but it's hard to open up. Thanks again.

[Cattayle10]

JUNERAIN--Thank you for responding to my post. I look forward to establishing a network of support here. A cat is in the cards for me, I think. Being avoidant, I have disintegrated to the point where I can hardly go out of the house or even be with family. Live alone right now--looking for support, and I think I've found some here. Thanks.

[jbug]

I have avoidant also and love my cat. I can hardly remember what life was like before Tyger. I am getting better about being around strangers but find that if I'm in a large crowd I tense up and have to get out of it quickly. Probably why I stay home a lot.

I'm in therapy and it is helping some but I still shop at the stores where there isn't a lot of people. If I have to go to walmart I try to do it when I think there isn't going to be a lot of people.

Jbug