Avoidant Personality Disorder

[Extreme586]

So I was going through my psychology book today and found something that was barely mentioned called avoidant personality disorder that had a few symptoms that sounded just like me.


I always avert my eyes and have trouble communicating with people in the simplest of social aspects (saying hi in the hallway).
I get really anxious and have trouble with long conversations (possibly more anxiety oriented of a symptom).
I am terrified of being rejected by anyone I consider popular or "like" in my school of 2,000.
Not sure if this is a symptom but I'm so introspective that it makes me come across as awkward, especially when I am over thinking what I am going to say and how it should sound coming out of my mouth (hence tongue tied and weird pronunciation all the time).
I have made attempts to reconnect with old friends but due to my rejection sensitivity, it never works out or goes well.
^Because of this I have cut off nearly all communication with my peers that isn't required in classes.
I now also fear the sight of the one person I care about most in the school rather than liking the fact that I can see him from time to time.
I don't attend any social events or go with groups of people to do anything because I have this predisposed idea in my head that nobody wants me around because I'm a vibe killer and nobody likes me (this is true now but it wasn't before).
Being gay isn't a symptom but I feel like it helped with the depression portion that accompanied this disorder as it got worse and worse for me up to this point.
I also for the last two years haven't eaten lunch and skipped it to avoid socializing, this year I am back and forth from day to day either eating alone around a bunch of people or skipping it and going to the library.


I'm not here to tell you how bad my life is etc, but rather try to get a discussion going maybe with those of you who feel the same way or have the same problems. Discuss. Also any advice (or further questioning of why I put something down) is appreciated.

[Its Pretty]

It seems like you have low self-esteem. I believe personality disorders can only be applied to adults.

[Magenta]

I'm gonna make this brief because I'm exhausted. First, don't self-diagnose (not that you are, just don't if that's where your train of thought ever goes). If you're concerned, speak to a psychiatrist or get a doctor to refer you to one. Second, personality disorders are complicated. Personality forms throughout your entire life but it's the most flexible at a younger age, going into early adulthood. Personality disorders are rarely diagnosed before at least the age of 18 when it is then deemed that a certain set of behaviours and symptoms are disruptive to one's daily life and affecting their quality of life at a point where your personality has developed fully enough to make these disruptions much more significant. It is becoming increasingly uncommon to see such disorders diagnosed in adolescents because life as a child and a teen is turbulent as it is.

It does sound like you're having problems and your best bet is to talk to someone. Family, school counselor, trusted teacher or adult, or mental health professional. Sorry I can't offer more advice at the present time, just wanted to share the important facts about a personality disorder diagnosis.

[Extreme586]

Maybe you guys are right, I probably shouldn't be diagnosing myself especially since I am only 17. It's just for once it was kind of nice to look at a possibility and feel like I knew what was wrong with me. It was also kind of depressing. That being said, as far as talking to someone about my problems, I don't have anyone. I am totally disconnected at this point. Not sure what to do anymore.

[1_21Guns]

Self diagnosis is the worst thing you can do, low self esteem is a lot more likely, and while most mental illnesses are only diagnosed in adults that's not to say under 18's or whatever can't get them. Try and seek professional help if that's possible, it's better to not let these things spiral out of control :hug3:

[ksdnfkfr]

There are some people, like me, who just don't operate well with others. I call myself withdrawn and leave it at that. If I want to take it further, then I'm going to ask to see a psychologist. People can become obsessed with what makes them different and waste hours self diagnosing. I'm withdrawn and keep to myself, that's it. I didn't suffer some kind of psychological trauma, I don't hate people or anything like that. I do try to act as friendly as I can, even if that just means a smile and only saying "hello".