The look on your face when you talk about it being life ruining says it all. It’s a cruel disorder that leaves us lonely and grieving for the life we’d love to have, day after day after day. I have spent my whole life sobbing as quietly as I can because there’s no good way to explain to someone just how insignificant you can feel.
Thank you for sharing. AVPD is a very difficult disorder to live with. Feeling lonelier around people than when you are simply by yourself you're tempted to isolate yourself. A lot of us are actually likeable people.
I can so relate to everything you said. I have a job now where everyone is really nice and accepting of me but before I would this job I would start to have anxiety the day before going into work. Sunday's were never pleasant for me because I was thinking of the next day and when the next morning would come up, I would always wake up with my heart racing and panicky. Even though I finally found a good job after 40 years of working, there is still a time when I have to deal with a angry customer or a coworker that likes to get on to me when when that happens, I have to take medication as soon as I get home to keep me from getting really depressed. As I have aged, at 58 now, my avoidant personality disorder and depression has gotten worse. I'm at the point now that I just want to stay home in my little world. I don't even really want to be with family or friends that I know like me. I get anxious even around them. I don't call my 23 year old daughter like I should because I have so much fear that she doesn't want to be a part of my life or that I'm going to say something that will embarrass her or myself, so I just text her. I'm like you that I have to be in a relationship. I'm very lucky that my wife is a introvert and loves to stay at home also. Thank you for opening up, it has helped me.
I love the openness taking place. Reading this reply first made me feel like I could put this weight that I hold up every day of my life down for a moment. I find relief and comfort in this, thank you.
I’m middle aged and avoidant pd has gotten both better and worse. Socially I just care much less about things but I have zero Motivation to go out or socialize. I have to ‘fake’ all social interactions and it’s exhausting . I would never have kids as I would not want to take the chance of giving this to them
I bet if your daughter reads this comment of you she would visit you, give you a hug and tell you that the "not want to be part of your life" part is not true at all! ;)
Yeah me too. To give an example, I have been on a mental health expedition, trying to find exactly what I have or like something for almost one and a half year now, but I have never really discussed it with friends or family openly , I give some small tidbits sometimes to not keep it a big secret (I know from having an addiction that those are not healthy so I try and reveal some parts) but I never say anything openly. I have been in 12 step groups, being in those meetings, calling people for hours, but I always found a way to keep it openly hidden, maybe there is a vague hint to what i am doing but never openly, searching on the internet for many hours a day, still I won't ever say it to anyone. I went to a therapist but I just didn't feel like it was going right, and a reason somewhere deep down was that I wanted to do it on my own and not do it with someone else. Fuck, typing this is making me realise how unhealthy this is, I guess I have to reduce this shit..
It's pretty messed up, that I've always thought I was a freak and alone with these thoughts. I also started to think I was autistic, that's how I found your videos. But after hearing you talk about your feelings, it's almost like my life. Being a self-deprecating clown to deal with people, then self-isolating and drinking just to cope in social situations. Thank you for your bravery, it takes gigantic balls to put yourself out there like this.
Yeah same. I started to question wether or not I was autistic but then I realized that alot of that just didn't add up the more I learned about autism. I don't have any issues socially except for the symptoms that come along with avpd
I'm pretty sure I have this. I'm now 33 and I have no friends and I've never been in a relationship. It feels pretty hopeless. Thanks for sharing, I can imagine how difficult it would be to put yourself out there like this. I can absolutely relate to what you said about work. I also was bullied a lot throughout school. I feel like I won't be successful in ANY career, mostly because of the social aspect and my insecurities/difficulties in simply being around other people. It's absolutely debilitating
I have to disagree with the two previous comments. I believe you can actually change the disorder by voluntarily putting yourself into the situations that cause the pain. If you tended to remain in your comfort zone, you shouldn't be surprised at all that nothing has changed. There is no such thing as a painless personality change.
Most people with Avpd have a reason why they developed it in the first place ( including myself ) So for me there was another big elephant that no one told me i have which is ADHD ( genetic ) and NVLD, i suffered because of it all my life, and it was the root cause for me to avoid Everything you can see why, but i believe it can be treated, which makes social anxiety easier to deal with I hope you all get better and not let anything discourage you no matter what it is
1. I never had any interest or ambitions in having a career and feared having a job with responsibilities and expectations that I would then not want to deal with, or fail at. I'm 43 now and have only worked full time for 3 years, from age 22 to 25. Then I worked part time (only 15 hours a week) until I was 38 and the company went out of business. Never worked again, and never will. I just can't. It is completely emotionally exhausting. 2 & 3. I've only been with 3 people. My first was my best friend from school. We were friends from age 14, got together at age 18, and then broke up (she did) at age 22 but we remained best friends. Then I met my current partner online, and chatted for 9 MONTHS before meeting in person. I was sure if we spoke on the phone or when we met, I'd be a let down, so I put off meeting for all that time (we're still together now, 21 years later). I was also in a long term "relationship" with a much older man online who was married. Again, friends first. I have had friends through my best friends for over 20 years who still barely know me, because I just cannot share my true self. I'm open and friendly, but only tl a limited extent. If anyone delves any deeper, it's like there's a brick wall there. I have BPD too and the only DEEP friendships (and all 3 relationships) I can ever have is with my Favourite Person. They are the only people I want to show my whole self to. 4. Part of me doesn't care what people think of me, but the other part of me is SO self-conscious, I'm CONSTANTLY aware of how I look, if my facial expressions are looking attractive or appropriate for however I should be reacting, how my voice sounds, if I'm laughing too loudly, if I let my stutter come out, if I sound stupid, if I walk weirdly, and so on. (I too was shy and awkward, and also teased / bullied at school. I never reacted much. I was too embarrassed.) 5. New social situations...again, I don't really care what people think and can come across as very confident, and if they're strangers who I may never see again, I actually find that easier than if I get to know someone a bit more. I keep bumping into them in my building for instance, and chatting feels more awkward as I don't know how to act now. I've done the "first impression social thing". Now what? 6. I have felt inferior for decades. I was once called an "emotional cripple" by someone at high school (gee, thanks). Totally self-conscious. If I feel like I look really good, it helps a LOT, but...yeah. 7. Hmmmm. This one is a yes and no. I'll do stuff, and not really worry about it, BUT...like this video, I REALLY need to do things, at least at first, ALONE. I can't ride a bike for instance. I never wanted to learn. I can't talk on the phone in front of anyone I know. I can't even do laundry in front of my own partner!!!
at age 42 my entire work history is about 5or 6 years. Came across this term a few weeks ago. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, well articulated about not the fear of job but the fear of criticism and that am not able to do. the devastating consequences of parental mental emotional abuse as well as personal characteristics. My comfort zone is to be alone most of the time. This way nobody can hurt me. :)
If I wasn't a loner and delt with childhood trauma, none of this would've happened. I can't even text my best friend and have to learn how maintain relationships, even with my family.
I've somehow managed to hold and succeed at a high stress job for almost 7 years now. Lot's of interaction with people, cold calls, stressful meeetings, etc. I literally just came across this disorder and realize I have so much of these symptoms. It's a miracle I'm in the position I'm in. With that said, I'm damn proud of myself. But what blows my mind is how you put yourself on the internet despite your condition. I couldn't do that. I just need to open to others to develop friendships and romantic relationships. The loneliness is the worst part. I want to be alone, but I want to be around people.
It blows my mind how you could work at a job like that despite the condition... I never was able to really work in my life, I was just not sleeping from anxiety... same for any social interaction I had to go to, just non stop anguish for weeks prior, even only meeting my dad. No wonder I'm close to agoraphobic now with extremely bad health... way too much cortisol issues.
I don’t know what my issue is yet, but I literally don’t have any deep relationships anymore. I literally can’t start a relationship or a friendship. They have to seek me out. I don’t feel at ease with anyone. It is the same way with my sister. We used to be close, but as most humans do, they eventually show some disapproval. If anyone says anything negative to me, I just pull away. I care so much about what people think, that I don’t tell anyone this. It gets worse and lonelier with age. I really liked having jobs that I could just go off and do without too much interaction, but I have a hard time applying for jobs, so if I loose a job, it takes desperation to get back out there. I have had better periods in life where I was getting help, and could fake it a little more, but it never goes away. Even when I have had a friendship or relationship, I struggle with eye contact when talking about feelings or anything difficult. I don’t think I am on the spectrum, and I have a high degree of empathy and facial recognition. Also, I never had any language delays, and I had a lot of sense about people. It almost seems the opposite of being on the spectrum, but still with some of the same results. I have never had more than a few relationships at a time, but it isn’t that I am not likable. I just don’t let hardly anyone close. People at work always speak highly of me. I can’t call people. It is really bad, because I miss out on things. I even have a hard time talking to someone about renting a place, or making a payment arrangement. It is terrible. I haven’t really talked to my best friend in a few years because I know something went down between us, and although I think it is repairable, I can’t bring myself to reach out to her on the small chance it won’t. It was literally a lifelong friendship. We never even had a fight. Most of my friends have disappeared this way. They probably feel it is one sided because they have to do most of the contacting, even though I really want the friendship. I have tried to make some friends, but I think my lack of willingness to be vulnerable makes it difficult to get beyond acquaintances.
I relate sm to this. but he way, what you said about being on the spectrum. It is A SPECTRUM I am autistic and am also pretty good at recognising facial expressions and empathy. you said you are the opposite of being on the spectrum and it can actually mean that you are on the spectrum if it makes sense😅 some autistic people may be completely opposite but still on the spectrum. It is very complex but maybe look into it a bit more. I lost so many friendships because people didn’t understand me, where they viewed my lack of action as an active attempt to not get close. I also cANNOT get a job because of similar reasons. It’s hard to reach out to people, it’s tough and scary having a chance of being judged, it’s hard to leave my house by the same reason. I am most comfortable alone and I’m truly surprised when people say the opposite. It’s… tough. I wanna do so much stuff, but I miss so many opportunities because of this. I hope I can heal, I hope I can improve, I hope I’ll get to be more active and less scared of everything. I really do. Good luck to you too❤
In a room full of people, even family or those I've know for a long period of time, i never feel like i belong or at least am as comfortable as everyone else appears to be. At my work place, i always feel like an outsider or from another team, while everyone else appears to be so comfortable with one another. My mom is a pleaser and my dad was the opposite, so I have a weird personality blend of wanting to bury my head in the sand and saying screw them if they're judging me, all the while no one is probanly looking at or judging me at all. Almost seems like a condition of self centeredness to a point, but in a self damaging way. I pray everyone that reads this gains the insight they need to live a more confident and happy life. 🙏❤️
It took me 26 yrs to find out that i have AvPD, it's pretty disappointing that there's so little awareness about this disorder. There's some interesting books about the topic and i'm glad that i can , finally, understand myself better. Proud of your courage and honesty Maxine.
Thank you so so much 💖 I was 26 as well! It is a shame, that's why I'm hoping my videos reach who they need to reach so that i can share the clarity this diagnosis has brought me 👍
OMG I just realized why I hate watching movies - I can't stand the embarrassing/confrontational situations and cover my eyes if there's one to the point where I now only watch silly comedies.
AVPD has had a devastating impact on my life. I've been socially isolated for the past 15 years due to social anxiety and fear of criticism, which has made it difficult for me to form and maintain relationships. As a result, I don't have any friends or romantic relationships at the age of 30, and I'm currently unemployed. It's frustrating when people don't understand the severity of this disorder and how it can impact someone's social and emotional well-being. I also feel overwhelmed and uncertain about my future, especially since finding employment has been difficult due to my symptoms.
My symptoms have lead me to be financially independent on my boyfriend (who doesn’t even like me anymore loool) so I know all too well how scary and uncertain the future can feel for us - if we break up, I’ll have nothing. And I’m almost 30 now too. I’m finally about to graduate with a bachelors degree, but that won’t help me keep a job when my anxiety is so bad I can’t work. 😞
It took me twice the amount of semesters to finish my bachelors degree thanks to my illness. Finally finding a job was a really terrible experience for me just because I saw possible dangers and ways to disappoint the other people at the company in every situation. Times of severe and ongoing anxiety lead me wanting to simply disappear which doesnt help with holding a new position, also working is sometimes more difficult for me because the symptoms interfere with things like my shortterm memory which leads me to feel embarassed after asking several times on how to do something simply because my brain cant handle the information. I also need constant reassurance if I did something right or not, in these moments I feel like a dysfunctional child in an adult suite.
Yes yes yes. My sister and I talk about this often - the feeling of pretending to be an adult. That everyone around you views you as a child dressed up in mom and dads clothes. 😩 the worst.
I am relating to this so much! I just learned I have this disorder at age 58. I just turned 60 a few days ago. I find the struggle more difficult as I age 😢
I've watched this numerous times throughout last year and I'm always astonished at how accurate this is. I wonder what my life would be like if I wasn’t so terrified of rejection and embarrassment. I'd be out practicing photography, working out at a gym, connecting with people instead of embarrassing myself during smalltalk and consequently avoiding interacting with them ever again… It just feels like there’s no end to this. Whenever I make an effort to break out of my shell I get shut down and reminded of my inferiority. I also feel so anxious all the time and I'm sure it shows, by struggling with eye contact for example. I'm glad I have friends that seem to like me for who I am but even with them I can rarely actually enjoy myself like a normal human being. This disorder is SO draining it's unreal.
"it's not about the job, it's about the social aspects of the job" I don't have a diagnosis but damn, that resonates. I'm currently trying to finish a PhD and have missed so many opportunities due to this fear of having to be with new people and under unfamiliar circumstances. I've also lose various oportunities to make and mantain friendships in the past, due to feeling awkward, unappealing, boring or even pathetic. The idea that I'll end up being rejected might be present too. Hope you're in a better situation now.
I have this disorder and can relate. Its so funny though that when i watch videos of others like yourself, i wonder why you feel this way, you seem so normal and seem like a fine person. I guess this is how others feel about me. 🤷
Can't find anything more relatable than this it is so comforting I am not all alone in this world suffering for this toxicity wish I can meet ppl like u in my life in person feel so unsafe and lonely dealing with it all alone😭
Wish I learned about this sooner than 41... Found out last week.. Been trying to diagnose myself for years, because I brake down in the doctors office and cant talk about it. Love the gym more than life, but I go to a little place with mostly senior people, even though they dont have the equipment I want, because there is less fear of ridicule there.. There are several other gyms here, but I couldnt keep going there. Work in a small shop on my own, dreading every time someone comes in. Make very little money, but cant get myself out there to pursue a real carreer again. Am close to bankrupcy several times a year, but its too hard, too many memories of mistakes and controversy that keep me up at night. Gave up dating at 27 cus it was way too hard. Was single for 11 years, waiting for that someone who would be able to convince me completely that they wanted to be with me and it was ok. Lucky for me I found him. Ride bikes, but consistently stay away from pushing my progression, if there are others watching cus I feel ridiculous, and am afraid of being labled as bad, or not talented or a joke.. Shy away from pictures if my face is showing cus I dont want anyone to post a bad pic on sm, and everybody thinking ew, too bad shes so ugly. Had a profile pic on yt and every time someone dissagreed with me on a topic they get personal and write well hey you're ugly, so there... . Dont go to reunions unless I am in the absolute best shape and my life is on an upswing, otherwise I feel they pitty or belittle me.. Lately I just stopped going all together.. It holds everything back and feels like a waste of life... So after going through everything from adhd, skizotypal, cptsd(which prolly caused the apd) and finally apd... It is the most accurate description of me I have ever read. Have Bds(bodily distress syndrome) as well, again prolly from apd. Am currently medicated for that, because after 7 years of it I dragged myself up to the doctor and broke down. But now I need the nerve to ask for help about this too, but its so hard to talk about.. Even writing this I think oh no what if someone I know reads it, that would be the most terrible thing ever.. I need to get over the 'no one can know' stage... I want to stop hiding, Ive wasted so much time already..
To start, there is a good upside to this disorder. You learn to observe, watch, listen, and become insanely self aware of yourself at all times, even when you're alone. First, props to getting in front of a camera and posting it. I'm sure you reviewed it multiple times to assure yourself it wasn't so bad, you did good. Second, I'll try to be short. I've been aware of this in myself for awhile, I'm about 11 years older, and maybe this will help, but in time ya just may become more cynical, and stop caring about what day to day randos think, thats where I'm at. I haven't worked for about 8 years, I've struggled bad with alcoholism, was homeless for 3 years, haven't had a relationship of any kind for 11 years, no sex even for 11 years. This shit is real, and it sucks. Finally got a good housing situation, now I just sit in my cynical complacency with my 2 cats, smoke weed, and avoid the world at all costs, most people suck these days anyways.
I had several other videos I’ve privated and consider doing the same to this one all the time, but luckily most of the feedback has been supportive and positive, which keeps me motivated to leave this up to help others. ❤️ thank you for the recognition!!
I work a residential service job where im in and out of houses all day having superficial interactions with people which is ideal. Its made it much easier compared to having to work side by side with the same ppl everyday.
I just found out about Avoidant Personality Disorder today at 35 years of age.. looking up the symptoms of this disorder I strongly relate to it out of all of the disorders I have researched over the years. I've also listened to your whole video, and appreciate you telling of your life experiences so far. I can definitely relate to a lot of them.
Just found out about it a day ago and I am so glad that I at least know why I move through life the way I do. 32 years of life and now I finally get it. There’s a little comfort in knowing
i related to every single thing that you said. I dont understand why some specialists consider thus dysorder to not be as hard to live with as others of the clouster B for example. How can they say that if literally what this personality disorder makes you do is NOT living and just stay under your blanket of your room too afraid of the world, not getting opportunoties to grow or to make memories to remember. When you said that even if you go out it is an unenjoyable experience i felt that so hard. Instead of enjoying my time with friends id feel constantly anxious in every single moment because of what theyd think of me or perceive, so i dont live the present, sometimes it affects my memory too, i cant remember stuff happened in an afternoon with friends for example cause my mind wasnt there, insetad it was focussing on trying and failing to calm myself in social situations and also be ready to leave when an eventual panic attack occured
As someone who has gone thru disorder after disorder trying to find a fitting diagnosis, this really hits the nail on the head. It's so utterly difficult to describe deep-rooted feelings of inadequacy, ESPECIALLY when you're around other people you care about. This disorder is misunderstood in many ways that are damaging to people who deal with this on a daily basis. I've gone through imposter syndrome thinking it was extreme introversion or severe social anxiety. Ofc it's possible for these to occur together but the stigmas make it difficult for people to get diagnoses and help themselves yk? This video is very insightful and I'm glad I found it!
6:09 Definitley! I always 'avoided' the diagnosis because I thought "Huh? I don't actually avoid that much. I tackle situations a lot." In Germany it has an alternative name to Avoidant personality disorder (it is actually called Anxiously avoidant personality disorder here). It is also called 'Selbstunsichere Persönlichkeitsstörung' and there is no English pendant to Selbstunsicherheit, as far as I know, but you can translate it somehow as 'Self insecure personality disorder' and I think that fits waaaay better than Avoidant PD most of the time. Because... you can have a job, friends, relationship but still be very insecure.
very late to the party here. thanks for this video! i'm in the process of grappling with this potential diagnosis. for me, the major difference between my AvPD and social anxiety has to do with the root cause/feeling. my social anxiety is rooted in fear (of rejection, judgement, etc). which is of course crippling. but i feel like my AvPD is rooted more so in a BELIEF that i'm inferior. i believe i am inadequate, inferior, incompetent. and if i put myself out there, that risks people seeing me for how i truly am (inferior). which is why i had established this life long habit of avoiding. which is why i developed social anxiety. not sure why i feel this way about myself, maybe it's because i'm neurodivergent and had some negative social experiences as a child. but i think what i'm struggling most with now is what to do about this. i need to figure out how to accept this and stop feeling so bitter about it. i need to figure out how to manage. i'm overwhelmed and don't know where to start
Yes, I totally understand what you’re saying and honestly am also feeling so overwhelmed, like every step I take forward is followed by many steps back. ❤️🩹 At least we aren’t as alone in it as we feel.
Watching this I felt like you were my thoughts talking back at me and knew what you were going to say before you said it because I related so much. I’m stressed because I’m 25 and I haven’t even touched a steering wheel and I’ve never had a job and I feel disappointed in myself and frustrated because I feel so inexperienced compared to people who’ve already done everything before even graduating high school. Anyways I’m studying creative writing in college and I’m hoping to bring awareness one day, I just know it’s extremely lonely knowing that nobody in my personal life will ever understand me.
I cannot believe I found this.Your words are totally exactly what I feel. Not engaging unless u know 100% it’s gonna be good exchange of interaction.I’m kind of in tears because I believed I was broken and felt inhumane. I admire relationships and friendships but just replying or meeting with them totally ruins me and I had no idea why was mega frustrating I’m glad to have seen this video and seeing the comments it gives me hope because there’s a community who can also relate. It’s nice to know we aren’t alone :) thank u
I love getting these comments still because I remember the exact feeling of finding this disorder after over 27 years of feeling broken and realizing that there are others out there that feel exactly the same. 😭 I think our understanding of psychology is imperfect and I have a lot of theories about how this may overlap with autism or CPTSD but either way, we are out here. ❤️
I've never been someone who comments and is like "wow, this is exactly me!" but there's a first time for everything! I just got to the "long-term relationships are easy because of the obvious intimacy" + "friendships with women are Hard(TM)" and I am... speechless! Haha! Oh god and the wanting to be with someone who is obsessed with you... This is truly the most mind-blowing video I will watch for a really long time. I'm just happy and relieved and kind of numb right now that I'm not crazy and someone else's brain has done the same thing mine did. We're the same, age, too! I hope you're having a good week, Maxine. Thank you more than I can say for posting this.
This is the best account on avpd I've heard, thank you. It truly is & likely always will be miserable, which I think is something we need to at least partly accept in ourselves just for the sake of sanity, this is a personality after all. Our lot seldom get treated with understanding - everyone knows someone with anxiety who manages & "gets over it". We are just incapable, copout, jobless bums going nowhere fast to the eyes of the majority. Where possible, my advice is: stop playing that game. F- what people think! You are in fact probably definitely trying 100x harder than the people around you, this rubbish is damn well hard enough as it is... One thing I've noticed is that nature seems to provide solace for a lot of people, which makes sense. Find your interests and be that paradoxically sad/happy weirdo. We certainly pay for it, but we do have that extra time to master certain topics or interests so can actually contribute a unique insight that others can't. Utilizing that in the real world is of course a different story, but not impossible...
It's shocking how similar all our stories are. i spent most of my life misdiagnozed. down to therapists losing their patience with me and being very obnoxious about it. figuring it out was a real come-to-jesus moment for me. You're incredible for making a video. I could not.
Very interesting it definitely helped me. I am 54 yrs and just been diagnosed with AvPD. I am sad that it has taken me this long to gain clarity and hate myself a bit less. You are still youngi. At your age, I was a mess. Good luck to you x
I had the same experience of shock when I randomly discovered that AVPD exists yesterday. I didn’t even know there were more than 4 kinds of personality disorders. Now I’m researching everything I can. I’ve known about social anxiety for a year or two, but it doesn’t explain the depth of how the fear affects my life. I can’t maintain friendships or family relationships. I’ve harmed my career. I’ve started having issues in my romantic relationship because I feel betrayed by comments my partner has made. It’s crippling. And I’ve been suffering in silence my entire life because there’s nothing very abnormal in my outward appearance. I seem busy, or tired, or forgetful. The avoidance is like a mist always around me. No one really sees me.
10:10 - 10:32 "That I felt like I would rather die, than go" is so true... :S Having a job means having extreme panic & stress & the feeling of being overwhelmed, everyday, except saturday. :( edit: 11:19 - 11:37 100% same for me... I would love to try jobs, but if I got one, I would stand in front of the company 10 minutes before shift starts, all ready, and then turn around & go home, *simply because of the fear of having to interact with new people that I don't know....* It's pointless to try and fail. Just like in any school that I was forced to go, anxiety days would happen, and in work environment they can not happen as often as they happen.
I’m watching this a year after you uploaded it and I identify with every single trait. And I’ve been obsessively researching different diagnoses too. I needed this, thank you.
Hi, thank you for sharing :D The way you describe AVPD through your own experiences is some much more helpful than the usual textbook, superficial videoes out there. I was recently diagnosed with AVPD, and like you, had no idea it even existed - of course it all resonated with me and my life though. How you describe work situations strikes me particularly hard, and it's one of my absolute key issues. And by issue , I of course mean absolute nightmare. I've only endured it due to excessive drinking. That's another part of this personality disorder most are unaware of, we seem to gentle, tender and soft spoken to have serious substance abuse problems, am I right? Anyway, a couple of years ago I had to quit work, I've been in treatment and evaluation since - and to be honest I can't see myself going back either. My mental copilot to AVPD is bipolar disorder, a hilariously inplausible and contradictive combination, so I don't have the stability to fuction consistently - it's more than enough to cope and maintain my mental health in everyday life. I really wanted to comment on how you elaborate on the criteria - in the DSM they seem insignificant and unproblematic. I think a reason AVPD often is described as a mild personality disorder, is it mainly affect ourselves - we dont cause much problems for others, and we are good at disguising it. However, as you, I find it utterly dreadful and debilitating. It seeps into every nook and cranny of our life, twists reality, lies to us, steals from us and imprisons us. I found this list on wiki, it's not the english wiki - to me it shows the comprehensiveness of AVPD and the myriad of hurt it causes. The really fun ones start halfway down... Thanks again :) -------- People with AvPD are concerned about their own inadequacy and enter into friendships with others as long as they are sure that they will not be rejected. Loss and rejection are so painful for them, that they choose to be lonely rather than risk rejection. -Has a strong desire to be social, but can not. -Talks about a specific 'harmless' topic (work, family, special events) to avoid personal questions. -Never intentionally say something that will hurt another person. -Goes far beyond their own boundaries to take care of others. -Some have little contact with close family, for fear of being 'seen through' while others have only contact with close family and have only a few close or no friends. -Some are very quiet and engrossed in the thought of their own inability to say anything sensible. Is convinced that no one has any interest in their opinions. -Some people talk incessantly to control the conversation and prevent personal questions. -Avoid physical contact for fear that someone will get too close. -Extremely low self-esteem. -Strong hatred towards one's own person. -Desperate desire to be invisible. -Emotional distancing in intimate situations. -Problems working in a work context. -Do not see that anyone can enjoy their presence. -Feeling inferior to others. -In extreme cases - agoraphobia. -Creates their own fantasy world as an escape tool and to disturb painful thoughts. -Locates exits and positions themselves so that they can escape without anyone noticing. -May be sensitive to odors, loud noises or lights. -Often has problems setting boundaries and is vulnerable to manipulative people. -Strong need for control. -Perfectionism, everything should be perfect so no one can blame anything on them. -Often changes hairdresser / grocery store / restaurant for fear of being recognized. -Will not associate with colleagues or friends for fear of being caught in a situation without the opportunity to escape. If the disorder remains untreated, the person will increasingly isolate themselves.
I know this video is a year old but I have to comment... I've never felt more visible watching a video. Avoidant personality disorder is rarely talked about- and if it is, it's demonized - we're "lazy" and "toxic". I've seen so many comments on tik tok telling people to not be in romantic relationships with us. And the fact that it's considered "an easier" personality disorder than the rest is so harmful. My struggle feels invisible in every setting I'm in. Even in treatment. Thank you for this.
I have been in a relationship with a woman exactly like you. I always wondered why she does what she did. Its obvious, the longer they are with somebody, the more distant they become. They are afraid of bonding, they are afraid of what they will get and discover something new. She does have a valid point. Covert narcissists cannot be identified, until its too late. They take the avoidant path. I dont take it personally anymore. I must accept her or move on.
I just want to thank you for this video. Just two days ago I found a video on this disorder. I am almost 55 years old and just never understood what was wrong with me. My parents just died two years ago 3 days apart in December. My mom was bipolar but they hid it from us. I have a nephew that went off the deep end. So I've been doing a little research on mental illness. They believe he is also bipolar. So in this research I started to understand my mom and why she acted the way she did. Which is very sad because I feel her life could have been so different and a little more understood. But then I was looking up video's trying to figure out if my niece has been misdiagnosed on her issues. Then found the one on avoidant personality disorder. I was aware I had issues but never knew the right words to look up. I was extremely shy and never had very many friends or boy friends. I just thought it was the shyness and low self-esteem. I have one friend and she's just always been around. Lives in a different state and more like a phone friend. So really no friends. I have been married for 30 years but he's a homebody. So made it very easy for me to live this way. Now I need to figure out how to make my life a little better. I'm pretty comfortable in my own little bubble. But I have a sister that when her adult children are having issues I'm who she calls. This is so stressful and can be overwhelming. But if it wasn't my mom it was one of them. One of the biggest for me is if they didn't call me I would never call them. I have a brother also that I hardly ever talk to but truly feel he has his own issues. Then I do feel I have found mine. It's only been a few days but I have considered talking to a therapist or something. I would love to hear your input on this.
I'm a bit late but here I am anyway. I was diagnosed with AvPD a little over a year ago. What helps me / what I do to cope is - talking to my psychiatrist once a month - writing about it in my journal - texting a friend and my boyfriend about it. Venting and analyzing events helps preventing a panic attack that could happen next time I'm facing the triggering situation - not avoiding the situation but going through it despite being extremely anxious. I give myself a pep talk, I do my best and that's it. If you can I recommend doing these steps before, during and after the stressful event so you're aware of your triggers and see how you're evolving. It's doing wonders for me, at least.
thank you for making this video. this is really helpful. i feel this way even in front of my family. i am embarassed and disapointed for myself and also for people around me. yes i have a justification for all of my fears but it feels so lonely. it's like i could do it, i could do better but i always feel misunderstood. developped and eating disorder cause i don't wanna take food in front me people. me too, i got bullied and SA from a family member. it's so much, and the real reason i don't go see someone to talk about it is because i know it's going to be a long process. it's exhausted and i didn't even start nothing. everytime i've tried to explain my fears it's like, they don't get it. substance abuse, me too i don't have a relationship with my brother. i'm sad. thanks for this video it's making me think.
I’m fairly certain I have AvPD, too. I self-diagnosed it 4 years ago, but haven’t wanted to really accept it by getting an official diagnosis, but maybe I need to. Anyways, I relate so much to your story. Thank you so much for sharing it. Hope you’re well.
The way you described researching about psychology to understand your mental health better is so relatable... I literally looked into stuff the same way wtf?? Autism, BPD, Bipolar, NPD, ADHD... Then finally came across AvPD and it all makes so much sense. I also suspect that I have ADHD because my inattentiveness cannot be explained by AvPD lmao. Your video just gave me so much hope.. I'm struggling to get proper treatment for my mental health and sometimes feel like giving up. But to know that I'm not alone, that there are people like us across the world, trying their best to live a better life... It makes me so happy that I almost cried oof. I wish you all the best in life, I hope you're well and doing better 💛❤️
Thank you so much ❤️ Although the “right” diagnosis only gets you so far (especially with a PD) it’s universal to feel that sigh of relief that at least we aren’t crazy or the only ones. I’m actively working to get better again finally, but it’s not easy. 😅 I highly recommend treating all PDs as a form of CPTSD and using those resources as well, I’ve seen some great success stories from that approach. ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹
It's interesting that you have constantly been in serious romantic relationships, as an expression of this disorder. For me I am almost 28 as well and have never been in a romantic relationship whatsoever. I feel completely incapable. I had one close friend in middle/high school but over time I started to feel uncomfortable and that distance grew. And the virtual loss of that friendship basically destroyed any of my drive to make new close friendships. I never felt like social anxiety quite fit, but this disorder does better.
I have codependency issues as well as potential quiet bpd. I pick one person in my life to latch on to in the hopes of foregoing all other relationships. But actually, even these relationships suffer *greatly* from the AvPD.
I was just recently diagnosed with this and I was so happy as well to find it. I'm so glad something finally explains what I always thought was just anxiety. Now I can explain why I never can do anything I actually wanna do with friends.
I can relate to this on so many levels, I've been diagnosed with everything I thought you were until I realized from connecting the dots I'm an avoidant on every level, I haven't dated in 9 years i'm 29 and the over analyzation re-runs are impossible to talk out of, it's excruciatingly discomfort getting close to people I've been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, ADHD, the loop-d-loop of trusting I could fix myself, when I realized my social anxiety never much got better even with medication I just feel like, I need to breathe and maybe accept this, I've been avoidant all my life afraid of risks never had friends but thought to myself, i've just about mastered the art of being alone, I'm way to comfortable with it and that's my only difference on avoidance personality, I'm trying to learn how to express emotions freely even and working on trust, I've bought books on DBT Dialectical Therapy, CBT Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I tried everything, i'm starting to get numb on what people think of me as i've been humiliated soo much in the past but still optimistic that If I improve or don't just got to take life slowly, I hope I can relate to a lot of you out there.. Thank You Maxine for your story!! To have soo much in common it's a relief there is actual people like this we can relate with..
Thank you for sharing so openly about this disorder. The way you explained it was logical and helpful. Your story has filled in a huge piece of the puzzle for me. I think I've always felt different, and less than. I also have difficulty organising thoughts and articulating them. I can easily lose my train of thought mid-sentence. It's so embarrassing. Having this on top of AvPD makes social interactions even more fraught for me.
Thank you for creating videos and sharing your stories. I find them very useful. I am in love with a man with avoidant personality disorder who as soon as we became close, pushes me away :(
I do the same thing to my partners, and didnt even realize it until a year ago or so. I'm sorry you're going through that, I'm sure it's difficult. But I'm glad you looked for insight and hope my videos can help you understand him better. ❤ Good luck.
I come back to this video every now and then when I'm looking for words to explain my situation, weird as it may sound. You just word everything so perfectly, and every time I'm moved to tears again. I hope you're doing well these days, and thank you for uploading!
I can relate so well with what you talk about. I discovered this diagnosis to be true for me only a few days ago (I knew before that this disorder existed, but never considered to have a closer look at it). Sadly, I was even in therapy for a while, but we were not able to diagnose it correctly, which led to mistreatment and unsuccessful therapy, which of course was a disappointment. The weird thing is that over the years I developed quite a few compensatory skills to cover up my insecurity and fear of rejection. So in social situations I would behave more or less confidently, while at the same time I always felt / feel lonely and insecure, even when in close contact with people. I always had like 1-2 close friends. With the same patterns as yours: I was able to maintain those friendships because I was very sure to be accepted and loved. But if they wouldn't have called me / wouldn't call me, I would suppose they are not interested in me anymore, don't like me anymore and so on. This also makes it very difficult to start intimate relationships, and once established, distrust would crawl in. Those compensatory skills I talked about paradoxically made it even worse in a way: When talking with others about my insecurity and fear of rejection, people would soothe me, and reassure that I shouldn't be afraid of this or that, or that I could act confidently because I am such a good guy. But because of this, I was never able to really talk about my fears and anxieties on a fundamental basis; our conversations never had a common ground. Which increased my feelings of being inadequate, not well understood and so on. And of course, it didn't help me at all to overcome it. Somehow it already helps to know about the existence of this disorder, so that I can understand: It's not me who is inadequate, but those feelings are rooted in my disorder. Now I hope I'll find some assistance to overcome it. Sadly, as this disorder is so overlooked (and probably under-diagnosed), there are only very few books out there about the topic (in case I don't seek a professional, I'd enjoy reading about it). Especially in my non-English-speaking home country (I wouldn't mind reading English books, but even in English, there is only a handful of books). Thank you for sharing this with us and for creating some awareness for this diagnosis
Thank you for sharing your story! I can relate with everything you said. I've never been able to keep a job for longer than 2 months because of anxiety, I dropped out of high school because at some point I became to afraid to even go to school and the same thing happened in two colleges. In relationships I've gotten lucky twice where the girl would take all the initiative at first, but later on in the relationship I became closed off and we grew apart. I've never taken the initiative myself, even though that's one of the things I want the most in life. I've known for 3 years that I have this disorder, but didn't do research until now. Just hearing you tell your story makes me feel less alone. I wish you the best with everything!
30:03 "If you aren't 100% sure that somebody likes you, It's scary" This has ruled my life like no other Edit: the whole "scary" thing, and being "scared" is something I understand completely. It's not just like extremely anxious, but instead, is so bad that you're scared of it almost like a phobia.
It's so impressive that you share this. I had a similar reaction when I read the symptoms of AVPD - it was so spot on that I started laughing and crying at the same time, it was absurd reading it. Anyway, I actually wanted to write a comment on how beautiful you are - the way you talk, and your eyes too are just stunning!! I just had to say it! It's actually hard to understand that you can have such negative thoughts about yourself (that's the crazy and sad part about this disorder I guess, how the mind completely twist our self image and how real that image appears to us and ultimately limits our lives). Wish you and everyone else here all the best
the fact that ur brave to share this alone, ihope u know we WILL Liberate from this. i recently just started recording, documenting my journey intending to liberate from this, ifeel like is important we bring hope into this community bcs ifeel like many don’t realize it’s possible to really liberate
I can relate totally to your story. It is me in many ways and the common thread I believe is starting out with social anxiety or being an anxious person and add experiencing bullying when a child and it's a toxic cocktail that creates this disorder. I too have had difficulty establishing friendships with women most of my life. I have had very few friends those have been close. I have also been diagnosed with GED and depression. It's been a life long struggle. I started on Paxil around 25 years ago and it did help a great deal with the anxiety and depression and my ability to cope. The good news is as long as you keep trying in life it gets easier as you get older. I became more comfortable with myself in my own skin in my forties. I had to raise a child on my own and work and learned to separate my work identity from my personal identity. I put on my work face and am outgoing and do what I need to but I know it's just a face I put on in order to earn a living. I feel more comfortable around people because I honestly don't care what they think of me anymore. I know what value I am as a human being. I don't need anyone's approval. You are a beautiful, smart woman. What people think of you has no real value because people in general will find some fault with you. What you think about yourself is all that matters. People have never been very good to me, except for a few family and people I love and I am blessed to have those people. But in general people are out for what they can get and are emotional vampires. If they are nice to you it's because they want something from you. You are better to keep a few close people and family and for the rest of humanity, you are in reality too good for most of them.
I have NEVER in my life related to a video more than to this one. I struggle with the things you described and for the past year I thought I have autism. I also have only two friends (weird coincidence). Thank you for sharing your experience. Watching this video made me realize some things about myself. I really appreciate you posting it.
Recently I found out that I have full blown AvPD. I thought I only had a couple traits of it, but someone who has been treating me for years informed me that I actually tick every box for it. It's been interesting. One tough thing has been seeing some people say that we make bad partners. As someone who is perpetually single but would like to find someone, it's pretty demoralizing.
I have like…. Relationship dysphoria. I’ve never been single, but none of my relationships have been successful either. And I’m not sure if it’s my lack of being able to effectively communicate in a relationship (avoidance avoidance avoidance of any conversation of feelings or vulnerability) or my choice in partners, as I move from one to another so quickly and often bond primarily over traumas in the beginning. 😩 It’s likely both, but it’s not great. I think I’ve realized in order for success in a relationship, at least one person needs to be fairly securely attached lol.
Im one of those people who you help3d through this video. As far back as I can remember, like you. Although I was a popular kid, my favorite days were when I could slip away and hide during recess. I so relate to your adult experience too. Thank you so much.
I stumbled across your channel after reading your comment on Victoria Terekhina's channel. I watched a few of your videos. I hope you are doing well. For what its worth... your actually pretty good on RUclips. You choose your words carefully and convey in a nice flow.
Crazy to think how I got here because of the comment you posted from another video. This is so brave. I too have AvPD so I get it . Hugsss! I wish you all the best ♥️
Honestly I think it's the first time ever that I relate 100% to someone having Avpd... Every aspect of your life reflects exactly mine. Except I'm 40 now and it's worst than ever. I've also considered Autism/Schizoid/BPD etc etc... Whatever you have honestly I must be having because WE'RE THE SAME... I self diagnosed as Avpd with codependency and bpd comorbidities. I know people hate self diagnoses, but really I never was able to get in treatment. Every time I try something I just don't sleep from the anxiety of the event and I just end up avoiding it to relieve myself. When I do get through it's so stressful that I can't be myself and it ends up close to a panic attack. Anyways.... I wish I could have you as a friend. Good job! I like your channel and I like you!
I don't have any advice for you (if I had good advice I'd be following it myself!) just don't waste your life, it's so precious. You're attractive, clearly intelligent and articulate - and still young (it might not seem it but take it from a 50 year-old that you are!). Your prison is locked from the inside. It might feel awful but it means that it is within your capacity to open it. Good luck.
I very much can relate , I wish there was more we could do to make a difference, obviously It wont make a difference to our personal lives but make a difference in awareness and resources to help all of us who deal with this.
I recently came across this same disorder and exactly as you describe,I went wtf this is me all over.I too had been searching for something and nothing really fit my experience.I always new something was wrong just could never pin it down, thankyou for letting me know that I'm not alone which as you know is what this disorder can make you feel,even with people around.
God, you actually described my life :( this is exactly how I’ve felt for so long. You’re not alone, wishing you so much love and strength ❤️ thank you for uploading this
Like others here, I was just diagnosed this past week! I heard nearly 1/2 cases may be hereditary; seems my Dad had it. Neither of us are completely shy; our work ethic puts us out there. But mine is worse, I have basically felt defective since at least kindergarten. So, still searching for situations that may have driven it home.
I was also bullied--by other girls in elementary school, by boys nearing adolescence. I also have no good sense of what people actually think of me. So trust issues, and no close friends or relationships for a couple decades.
This (your video) was in my recomended on my YT front-page. I recently got diagnosed with it myself, and i'm not really sure what to think yet. I mean yes, i feel like it's me, and it helps me a bit in reminding myself why i am like i am, but yeah.. I also have thought I have like autism or being bipolar, having ADD like others in my family has. An have taken tests online for them.. like u have. I recently also found a video i watched that explained AvPD and it made me like.. teary eyed/emotional.. bc i was like, oh sh!t that's me!! And your video is also like you're talking about me and i'm like... that's exactly how i went through it! Also wishing i went to therapy about this sooner, so I knew about it in middle/high school etc. But that's on me bc I have always postponed going.. until now! Thank you for sharing your story out there! I relate to it very much! Wish i would be brave enough to as well, i've recently just told my closest friends about it and it made me nervous as heck to tell them bc scared of what they would think etc.! (also checking other comments to see what others have written bc i'm not sure if mine's good enough lmaoo, hence all the editing) Hugs from Scandinavia:)
I absolutely appreciate your honesty. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for doing this. I know it couldn't have been easy but you still did it! In my eyes, you're a hero. 🤗💐💕
This does help. I’m 26 and I just found out about this. Umm I honestly feel my life would be completely different in a good way if I didn’t have an avoidant personality disorder. I’m trying to do better now that I’m aware it’s just really hard.
Hey, thanks so much for sharing your experience with avpd. Must be hard telling this and showing yourself vulnerable. Your intentions are pure and good, appreciate that so much. I'm a 24yo guy and a few days ago I got diagnosed with this. Looking back on my current life, it slowly starts to make sense, because I always thought there was 'something wrong' with me. I guess I can't change how I grew up, neither my parents past behavior towards me. I wont blaim myself, and neither my parents for that matter. Weird thing is I also became Christian a few months ago, I did found a profound meaning and peace before being diagnosed, which balances things out, and in the future too, I hope. If you don't mind, I'll pray for you, and for that matter all people with avpd. Again thanks so much for your pure heart.
Thank you for your courage in making this video. My sister younger sister has this diagnosis and our relationship is nonexistent. I have been trying to understand what she is going through....you helped me a lot! We will never be close and I am more at peace with the reasons why... I am no longer trying to fix her...that realization is a good step for me.
Thank you for sharing your story, it helps people like you and me to feel less alone. I am 35 and I have only just discovered this personality disorder. I for the longest time thought it was social anxiety but I relate more to AVPD. I relate so much to what your saying. I myself am unemployed and I am avoiding going back to work. People dont realize how hard this is. And it is a serious disorder that we need to talk about more
thank you for making this!! i’m rewatching this for the second time to take notes to prepare for my psychiatrist appointment tomorrow. i’ve been seeing a psychologist for about a year now and bouncing between different diagnoses- i’m currently diagnosed with GAD, bipolar 2, adhd, possibly OCD & am pursuing an autism diagnosis. although i definitely have ADHD, my anxiety and fear of humiliation/rejection is debilitating and controls my life. your video is the first time i had ever heard of AvPD and i cannot explain the sense of relief i had when i heard your experience. i’m so happy to know there’s people like me
Thank you for this video, there doesn't seem to be a lot of resources of people with the disorder talking about it themselves. I think I'm going to bring this up with my psych tbh. I'm diagnosed with a few things, including social anxiety, but I never felt like it quite fit me. Especially because my Mom has anxiety and my best friend has social anxiety, and the way mine manifests is nothing like theirs. But I did express 'anxieties', like in highschool my friend group had to explicitly invite me to sit with them, or else I automatically assumed they didn't want me there because I'm annoying, and I would eat at an empty table or in the bathroom. My best friend of 6 years initiates 90% of our phone calls, and I don't share my interests with him on purpose because I can't handle it when he doesn't like them. I even have a memory from when I was 11 of a family friend teaching me how to play poker, and complimenting me on how I really had potential to be good at it. I then proceeded to violently sob, and when asked why, I said it's because "I feel like I'm lying to all of you, to trick you into thinking I'm smart. When I'm actually stupid and a failure". This was because I made one very small mistake while playing. There are a million more examples tbh. I felt how you described when I first looked up AVPD, where I resonated so strongly to all the diagnostic criteria that it was jarring. So my point is, thank you for making and sharing this video! I also hope all is going well for you in your treatment journey 💕
Hope you get better, it’s really hard to have this 😢. I am going through the same with myself too, your words given encouragement and understanding that someone on another corner of life feeling the same way I do. Thank you for your bravery to put yourself out there. It takes lot’s courage to do this with what you going through.
Thank you. Thank you so much. This made me cry. I feel what you are going through, because i'm suffering from the same shit, I know that tone of voice you're talking with the silence and the aaaaa between the words, it's like I'm talking. I just discovered a few weeks ago that I'm definitely AVPD and it shocked me, because I.never heard of it before, I never actually thought it was a disorder, I thought this just me! Talking about the learning process and wanting to do everything by yourself I doooo understand this in a very deep way, So I really appreciate your effort to make this clear enough and talk about it, thanks alot, so much love♥
I relate to a lot of what you've shared here. Another aspect of this disorder that I'm really only coming to terms with is that it's robbed me of the opportunity to learn who I am as a person and what I want out of life. I've been so deterred by my fear of rejection that I've done very little that might lead me to deepen and affirm my interests. As I get older, the regret I feel about lost opportunities, coupled with my own sense of inexperience and inadequacy relative to other people my age, has really eaten away at me. Having said all that, I've got to believe it's possible to get better.
Absolutely. I made another video about identity that touches on this. At 28, I feel like I’m finally beginning the self-exploration that others did in their teens and early 20s. But I do agree… I think things can only get better as I gain life experience and continue to grow.
@@anxious_and_avoidant I'll check it out! And good luck on your journey. In my early 30s, it's still a struggle figuring out what I want to do. But good to know other people are figuring out the same puzzle. :)
This is the first video of yours I've seen and it's because I specifically looked up AVPD. I suppose I was just like you, researching on mental health topics and just trying to learn as much as I could about random things (narcissists, ADHD, bipolar disorder, CPTSD, etc etc). A year ago I stumbled across an AVPD video and I checked off on all the symptoms as well. I asked my boyfriend who was going through med school, "hey do you think this might be me?". He just so happened to be taking a psych course that semester and was learning about personality disorders. He told me that I might actually be right. He sent me a screenshot of a few of his powerpoint slides on cluster A, B and C personality disorders, so I went down that rabbit hole of looking up videos and reading up on each PD. I learned that I am most likely AVPD when I was 28. I'm now 29 and I've been jobless for almost 4 years now. Interviews terrify me and make me horribly anxious. I joined a couple AVPD Facebook support groups and it gives me great comfort to know that I'm not alone in this, although it does make me sad that other people have to suffer like I do. I found out I'm not the only one terrified of interviews, but I also learned some people with AVPD can't drive at all because of severe anxiety as well. I had a cousin several years older than me who lived in a country overseas from where I live, who took her own life when she was 16. I only got to visit her once or twice at a very young age, so I didn't know her well at all plus there was a language barrier between us. I learned from my parents that before she passed away she had no friends, was very lonely and shy and spent a lot of time alone at home. She didn't have any siblings either because the country she lived in had a one-child policy. She left behind a diary where she wished her parents would have twins after she died, because 1) she didn't want the next child feeling as lonely as she did and 2) twins were the only exception to the one-child policy. I don't have that much information to go off of, but I strongly suspect she may have had AVPD and that it may run in the family if that is the case. Sorry for rambling and writing so much. Thank you for making this video. You're very brave for doing so. I hope you're doing okay these days. ♥
As a fellow 29 year old who hasn’t worked in years and struggles to drive (can drive alone, but too much anxiety to drive with a passenger) you are definitely not alone. ❤️ I’m planning to make a video soon about my observations and theories (from my own experience) about how I think AvPD overlaps with other pathologies like autism, ADHD, CPTSD, and BPD.
I agree with you that this disorder is life ruining. At least it is for me. The constant battle within of longing versus fear and anxiety and feeling inferior is debilitating. I am impressed by how you dare to put yourself out there like this and to be able to explain so well how this disorder impacts your life. For me it's hard to do so, also because of hearing myself explain it to myself brings fort embarrasment and shame. I guess I have not fully accepted that I have AvPD, even though it's officially diagnosed through therapy. And when I got the diagnosis and hearing about it by my therapists and reading about it online, I immediately knew this is what I'm suffering from. Hearing you talk about your life and how this disorder impacts you, is almost exactly the same as how I experience it and have experienced life events. I do wonder though, as I'm a male if there is a difference between the disorder dependable on gender. From what i've gathered on the internet, it seems females with this disorder, somehow have it a bit "easier" finding a romantic partner, all things considered. Edit: PS: from what i've gathered though this disorder can only be diagnosed in adults, as in the symptoms of this disorder are really hard to spot earlier in life and if so, not necessarily attributable to this disorder.
There’s definitely a difference between gender experiences I’m sure. For me, when I was younger I was conventionally attractive and compensated for my complete lack of self confidence with the validation of men, which led me to partners easily. The problem for me has always been *after* that initial boost of validation waned and I was left with the expectations of vulnerability in that relationship. I’ve been fueled by the quest for that romantic validation my whole life, because that’s the only way I’ve ever felt ok. As I’m getting older, i am losing the ability and desire to use how men perceive me to stay afloat - and I’m understanding more how men with this disorder probably feel in those ways. ❤️🩹❤️
@@anxious_and_avoidant Yeah I can understand why you got fueled by the quest for romantic validation. That quest regardless of inner motivation is perhaps an AvPD thing anyway. I believe I'm on that quest too, but for me, I never reached it to the long term relationship status. Anyway, I'm glad I could listen to your story, in a way hearing someone else talk about pretty much the same difficulties, so to speak, helps me reflecting as well. Because ironically, I tend to avoid in that area as well XD. Cheers and best of luck you!
Thanks for this video, I struggle with even putting into words what I feel , always automatically think that no one else will ever be able to understand what my thinking patterns are or what I feel, pretty sure I related to a lot.
@@anxious_and_avoidant yeah, I think i know somewhere in my mind logically at this point that there are other people who relate and have similar experiences but to actually feel it is different.. Do you ever doubt you have avpd? I have read about it many times before and have related to it but I always keep doubting whether I have it or not, sometimes I think I only have fearful avoidant attachment and not the personality disorder. I think the stigma of calling it a personality disorder which are supposed to be more serious as opposed to normal things like anxiety, depression etc the usual stuff are also holding me back i feel. Cus it's like if I accept it, I will have to accept that I am even more not as relatable to the general population who just have the usual diagnosis like social anxiety, depression and all.. Am I overthinking too much about the specific diagnosis? Is this my OCD doubting excessively? Having so little info about it doesn't help either, it makes me feel nobody even cares about it. Sorry for so many things at once. I have had these in my mind for a long time, and just figuring a way to express them..
debilitating is an accurate way to describe this disorder. I feel like I am on the edge of getting fired for no reason at all. This last year with the pandemic, I was assigned the greeter/cashier role which means I got yelled at regarding masks and stuff, did not make my situation any better at all. I just resigned after being on medical leave for a couple months. just never had time to really recover from working part time retail...I thought that this part time job would allow me to work but I will continue the search for another job I guess.
I worked at a Walmart for all of 1 shift (after the training) because every single manager acted annoyed that I was new… loool I feel you. The social pressures of “easy” jobs are nooooooot for me. 😮💨
The look on your face when you talk about it being life ruining says it all. It’s a cruel disorder that leaves us lonely and grieving for the life we’d love to have, day after day after day. I have spent my whole life sobbing as quietly as I can because there’s no good way to explain to someone just how insignificant you can feel.
🥺 you get it.
💯
I can feel it
Thank you for sharing. AVPD is a very difficult disorder to live with. Feeling lonelier around people than when you are simply by yourself you're tempted to isolate yourself. A lot of us are actually likeable people.
I can so relate to everything you said. I have a job now where everyone is really nice and accepting of me but before I would this job I would start to have anxiety the day before going into work. Sunday's were never pleasant for me because I was thinking of the next day and when the next morning would come up, I would always wake up with my heart racing and panicky. Even though I finally found a good job after 40 years of working, there is still a time when I have to deal with a angry customer or a coworker that likes to get on to me when when that happens, I have to take medication as soon as I get home to keep me from getting really depressed. As I have aged, at 58 now, my avoidant personality disorder and depression has gotten worse. I'm at the point now that I just want to stay home in my little world. I don't even really want to be with family or friends that I know like me. I get anxious even around them. I don't call my 23 year old daughter like I should because I have so much fear that she doesn't want to be a part of my life or that I'm going to say something that will embarrass her or myself, so I just text her. I'm like you that I have to be in a relationship. I'm very lucky that my wife is a introvert and loves to stay at home also. Thank you for opening up, it has helped me.
I hope that one day you get the peace you deserve :)
I love the openness taking place. Reading this reply first made me feel like I could put this weight that I hold up every day of my life down for a moment. I find relief and comfort in this, thank you.
I’m middle aged and avoidant pd has gotten both better and worse. Socially I just care much less about things but I have zero
Motivation to go out or socialize. I have to ‘fake’ all social interactions and it’s exhausting .
I would never have kids as I would not want to take the chance of giving this to them
@@billsimms2511 I know what you mean... My therapist is pretty confident that this is caused by childhood trauma, rather than genetics, but yeah.
I bet if your daughter reads this comment of you she would visit you, give you a hug and tell you that the "not want to be part of your life" part is not true at all! ;)
When you explained about wanting to learn things but only by yourself, my jaw dropped; I very much relate
Great video
You did great
I think you a beautiful person for doing this. It is a shame the world is missing out on such a great person
Tis the power of Google, my dear
Yeah me too.
To give an example, I have been on a mental health expedition, trying to find exactly what I have or like something for almost one and a half year now, but I have never really discussed it with friends or family openly , I give some small tidbits sometimes to not keep it a big secret (I know from having an addiction that those are not healthy so I try and reveal some parts) but I never say anything openly.
I have been in 12 step groups, being in those meetings, calling people for hours, but I always found a way to keep it openly hidden, maybe there is a vague hint to what i am doing but never openly, searching on the internet for many hours a day, still I won't ever say it to anyone.
I went to a therapist but I just didn't feel like it was going right, and a reason somewhere deep down was that I wanted to do it on my own and not do it with someone else.
Fuck, typing this is making me realise how unhealthy this is, I guess I have to reduce this shit..
Yes, this is exactly me too. Nobody ever gets it. Finally, people who understand
It's pretty messed up, that I've always thought I was a freak and alone with these thoughts. I also started to think I was autistic, that's how I found your videos. But after hearing you talk about your feelings, it's almost like my life. Being a self-deprecating clown to deal with people, then self-isolating and drinking just to cope in social situations. Thank you for your bravery, it takes gigantic balls to put yourself out there like this.
Yeah same. I started to question wether or not I was autistic but then I realized that alot of that just didn't add up the more I learned about autism. I don't have any issues socially except for the symptoms that come along with avpd
Your eyes are piercing! You don’t look directly into the lenses a lot but when you do it feels like you’re seeing into my soul!
I'm pretty sure I have this. I'm now 33 and I have no friends and I've never been in a relationship. It feels pretty hopeless. Thanks for sharing, I can imagine how difficult it would be to put yourself out there like this. I can absolutely relate to what you said about work. I also was bullied a lot throughout school. I feel like I won't be successful in ANY career, mostly because of the social aspect and my insecurities/difficulties in simply being around other people. It's absolutely debilitating
I don’t think it’s possible to have a relationship with AVpd, it’s a prison sentence.
I have to disagree with the two previous comments. I believe you can actually change the disorder by voluntarily putting yourself into the situations that cause the pain. If you tended to remain in your comfort zone, you shouldn't be surprised at all that nothing has changed. There is no such thing as a painless personality change.
Most people with Avpd have a reason why they developed it in the first place ( including myself )
So for me there was another big elephant that no one told me i have which is ADHD ( genetic ) and NVLD, i suffered because of it all my life, and it was the root cause for me to avoid Everything you can see why, but i believe it can be treated, which makes social anxiety easier to deal with
I hope you all get better and not let anything discourage you no matter what it is
1. I never had any interest or ambitions in having a career and feared having a job with responsibilities and expectations that I would then not want to deal with, or fail at. I'm 43 now and have only worked full time for 3 years, from age 22 to 25. Then I worked part time (only 15 hours a week) until I was 38 and the company went out of business. Never worked again, and never will. I just can't. It is completely emotionally exhausting.
2 & 3. I've only been with 3 people. My first was my best friend from school. We were friends from age 14, got together at age 18, and then broke up (she did) at age 22 but we remained best friends. Then I met my current partner online, and chatted for 9 MONTHS before meeting in person. I was sure if we spoke on the phone or when we met, I'd be a let down, so I put off meeting for all that time (we're still together now, 21 years later). I was also in a long term "relationship" with a much older man online who was married. Again, friends first.
I have had friends through my best friends for over 20 years who still barely know me, because I just cannot share my true self. I'm open and friendly, but only tl a limited extent. If anyone delves any deeper, it's like there's a brick wall there.
I have BPD too and the only DEEP friendships (and all 3 relationships) I can ever have is with my Favourite Person. They are the only people I want to show my whole self to.
4. Part of me doesn't care what people think of me, but the other part of me is SO self-conscious, I'm CONSTANTLY aware of how I look, if my facial expressions are looking attractive or appropriate for however I should be reacting, how my voice sounds, if I'm laughing too loudly, if I let my stutter come out, if I sound stupid, if I walk weirdly, and so on. (I too was shy and awkward, and also teased / bullied at school. I never reacted much. I was too embarrassed.)
5. New social situations...again, I don't really care what people think and can come across as very confident, and if they're strangers who I may never see again, I actually find that easier than if I get to know someone a bit more. I keep bumping into them in my building for instance, and chatting feels more awkward as I don't know how to act now. I've done the "first impression social thing". Now what?
6. I have felt inferior for decades. I was once called an "emotional cripple" by someone at high school (gee, thanks). Totally self-conscious. If I feel like I look really good, it helps a LOT, but...yeah.
7. Hmmmm. This one is a yes and no. I'll do stuff, and not really worry about it, BUT...like this video, I REALLY need to do things, at least at first, ALONE. I can't ride a bike for instance. I never wanted to learn. I can't talk on the phone in front of anyone I know. I can't even do laundry in front of my own partner!!!
at age 42 my entire work history is about 5or 6 years. Came across this term a few weeks ago. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, well articulated about not the fear of job but the fear of criticism and that am not able to do. the devastating consequences of parental mental emotional abuse as well as personal characteristics. My comfort zone is to be alone most of the time. This way nobody can hurt me. :)
Actually the only person who hurts you it's your own self...
I am 30 and my whole work experience is 2 years😒
Don’t know if you will see this but if you need help, reply and I’ll help sending you in the right direction to get help
@@AltairRah what kind of help are you proposing, just curious
@@lindsaymarin2772 I literally was just going to type out a schema therapy to help whoever needed it. Its just a framework to help.
If I wasn't a loner and delt with childhood trauma, none of this would've happened. I can't even text my best friend and have to learn how maintain relationships, even with my family.
Fr it all starts from childhood trauma and a build up of a whole bunch of shit
A sense of shame is deep rooted in this disorder. Thank you for doing this video. It has been a great help. And I think your wonderful and courageous.
I've somehow managed to hold and succeed at a high stress job for almost 7 years now. Lot's of interaction with people, cold calls, stressful meeetings, etc. I literally just came across this disorder and realize I have so much of these symptoms. It's a miracle I'm in the position I'm in. With that said, I'm damn proud of myself. But what blows my mind is how you put yourself on the internet despite your condition. I couldn't do that.
I just need to open to others to develop friendships and romantic relationships. The loneliness is the worst part. I want to be alone, but I want to be around people.
It blows my mind how you could work at a job like that despite the condition... I never was able to really work in my life, I was just not sleeping from anxiety... same for any social interaction I had to go to, just non stop anguish for weeks prior, even only meeting my dad. No wonder I'm close to agoraphobic now with extremely bad health... way too much cortisol issues.
I don’t know what my issue is yet, but I literally don’t have any deep relationships anymore. I literally can’t start a relationship or a friendship. They have to seek me out. I don’t feel at ease with anyone. It is the same way with my sister. We used to be close, but as most humans do, they eventually show some disapproval. If anyone says anything negative to me, I just pull away. I care so much about what people think, that I don’t tell anyone this. It gets worse and lonelier with age. I really liked having jobs that I could just go off and do without too much interaction, but I have a hard time applying for jobs, so if I loose a job, it takes desperation to get back out there. I have had better periods in life where I was getting help, and could fake it a little more, but it never goes away. Even when I have had a friendship or relationship, I struggle with eye contact when talking about feelings or anything difficult. I don’t think I am on the spectrum, and I have a high degree of empathy and facial recognition. Also, I never had any language delays, and I had a lot of sense about people. It almost seems the opposite of being on the spectrum, but still with some of the same results. I have never had more than a few relationships at a time, but it isn’t that I am not likable. I just don’t let hardly anyone close. People at work always speak highly of me. I can’t call people. It is really bad, because I miss out on things. I even have a hard time talking to someone about renting a place, or making a payment arrangement. It is terrible. I haven’t really talked to my best friend in a few years because I know something went down between us, and although I think it is repairable, I can’t bring myself to reach out to her on the small chance it won’t. It was literally a lifelong friendship. We never even had a fight. Most of my friends have disappeared this way. They probably feel it is one sided because they have to do most of the contacting, even though I really want the friendship. I have tried to make some friends, but I think my lack of willingness to be vulnerable makes it difficult to get beyond acquaintances.
have you been vulenrable in friendships only left feeling exposed and wanting to pull away as well?
"I even have a hard time talking to someone about renting a place, or making a payment arrangement. It is terrible."
Oh my god. This. 😭
I relate sm to this.
but he way, what you said about being on the spectrum. It is A SPECTRUM I am autistic and am also pretty good at recognising facial expressions and empathy. you said you are the opposite of being on the spectrum and it can actually mean that you are on the spectrum if it makes sense😅 some autistic people may be completely opposite but still on the spectrum. It is very complex but maybe look into it a bit more.
I lost so many friendships because people didn’t understand me, where they viewed my lack of action as an active attempt to not get close. I also cANNOT get a job because of similar reasons. It’s hard to reach out to people, it’s tough and scary having a chance of being judged, it’s hard to leave my house by the same reason. I am most comfortable alone and I’m truly surprised when people say the opposite.
It’s… tough. I wanna do so much stuff, but I miss so many opportunities because of this. I hope I can heal, I hope I can improve, I hope I’ll get to be more active and less scared of everything. I really do.
Good luck to you too❤
That's key the child memories
The bullying..go there.. go deep
They didn't allow you to form confidence
Cause they were abusive
In a room full of people, even family or those I've know for a long period of time, i never feel like i belong or at least am as comfortable as everyone else appears to be. At my work place, i always feel like an outsider or from another team, while everyone else appears to be so comfortable with one another. My mom is a pleaser and my dad was the opposite, so I have a weird personality blend of wanting to bury my head in the sand and saying screw them if they're judging me, all the while no one is probanly looking at or judging me at all. Almost seems like a condition of self centeredness to a point, but in a self damaging way. I pray everyone that reads this gains the insight they need to live a more confident and happy life. 🙏❤️
Sounds a lot like imposter syndrome
It took me 26 yrs to find out that i have AvPD, it's pretty disappointing that there's so little awareness about this disorder. There's some interesting books about the topic and i'm glad that i can , finally, understand myself better.
Proud of your courage and honesty Maxine.
Thank you so so much 💖 I was 26 as well! It is a shame, that's why I'm hoping my videos reach who they need to reach so that i can share the clarity this diagnosis has brought me 👍
Do you have book recommendations ?
I'd like to heard about the book recommendations as well
Hi, do you have any books recommendations?
I hate when characters in movies or tv shows place themselves in embarrassing situations. I never understood why until I learned about this disorder.
Omg soooooo true, secondhand embarrassment will kill me hahaha
That algo happen to me...
I remember running to my room and hiding when something embarrassing was about to happen to a character on tv. Wow, makes sense now.
OMG I just realized why I hate watching movies - I can't stand the embarrassing/confrontational situations and cover my eyes if there's one to the point where I now only watch silly comedies.
I have to watch programs In blocks ,that is recover from the uncomfortableness and then start watching again.
Never mind my dogs understand me.
AVPD has had a devastating impact on my life. I've been socially isolated for the past 15 years due to social anxiety and fear of criticism, which has made it difficult for me to form and maintain relationships. As a result, I don't have any friends or romantic relationships at the age of 30, and I'm currently unemployed. It's frustrating when people don't understand the severity of this disorder and how it can impact someone's social and emotional well-being. I also feel overwhelmed and uncertain about my future, especially since finding employment has been difficult due to my symptoms.
My symptoms have lead me to be financially independent on my boyfriend (who doesn’t even like me anymore loool) so I know all too well how scary and uncertain the future can feel for us - if we break up, I’ll have nothing. And I’m almost 30 now too. I’m finally about to graduate with a bachelors degree, but that won’t help me keep a job when my anxiety is so bad I can’t work. 😞
Fun thing about this disorder is that it keeps you from seeking the help you need in order to get better
I’ve ghosted every therapist I’ve ever had hahahahaha
It took me twice the amount of semesters to finish my bachelors degree thanks to my illness. Finally finding a job was a really terrible experience for me just because I saw possible dangers and ways to disappoint the other people at the company in every situation. Times of severe and ongoing anxiety lead me wanting to simply disappear which doesnt help with holding a new position, also working is sometimes more difficult for me because the symptoms interfere with things like my shortterm memory which leads me to feel embarassed after asking several times on how to do something simply because my brain cant handle the information. I also need constant reassurance if I did something right or not, in these moments I feel like a dysfunctional child in an adult suite.
Yes yes yes. My sister and I talk about this often - the feeling of pretending to be an adult. That everyone around you views you as a child dressed up in mom and dads clothes. 😩 the worst.
I am relating to this so much! I just learned I have this disorder at age 58. I just turned 60 a few days ago. I find the struggle more difficult as I age 😢
I've watched this numerous times throughout last year and I'm always astonished at how accurate this is. I wonder what my life would be like if I wasn’t so terrified of rejection and embarrassment. I'd be out practicing photography, working out at a gym, connecting with people instead of embarrassing myself during smalltalk and consequently avoiding interacting with them ever again… It just feels like there’s no end to this. Whenever I make an effort to break out of my shell I get shut down and reminded of my inferiority. I also feel so anxious all the time and I'm sure it shows, by struggling with eye contact for example. I'm glad I have friends that seem to like me for who I am but even with them I can rarely actually enjoy myself like a normal human being. This disorder is SO draining it's unreal.
"it's not about the job, it's about the social aspects of the job"
I don't have a diagnosis but damn, that resonates. I'm currently trying to finish a PhD and have missed so many opportunities due to this fear of having to be with new people and under unfamiliar circumstances. I've also lose various oportunities to make and mantain friendships in the past, due to feeling awkward, unappealing, boring or even pathetic. The idea that I'll end up being rejected might be present too.
Hope you're in a better situation now.
What a beautiful human being you are. So much comfort in this for anyone living with the pain and loneliness of AvPD.
Means so so so much 💖
I have this disorder and can relate. Its so funny though that when i watch videos of others like yourself, i wonder why you feel this way, you seem so normal and seem like a fine person. I guess this is how others feel about me. 🤷
Can't find anything more relatable than this it is so comforting I am not all alone in this world suffering for this toxicity wish I can meet ppl like u in my life in person feel so unsafe and lonely dealing with it all alone😭
Wish I learned about this sooner than 41... Found out last week.. Been trying to diagnose myself for years, because I brake down in the doctors office and cant talk about it. Love the gym more than life, but I go to a little place with mostly senior people, even though they dont have the equipment I want, because there is less fear of ridicule there.. There are several other gyms here, but I couldnt keep going there. Work in a small shop on my own, dreading every time someone comes in. Make very little money, but cant get myself out there to pursue a real carreer again. Am close to bankrupcy several times a year, but its too hard, too many memories of mistakes and controversy that keep me up at night. Gave up dating at 27 cus it was way too hard. Was single for 11 years, waiting for that someone who would be able to convince me completely that they wanted to be with me and it was ok. Lucky for me I found him.
Ride bikes, but consistently stay away from pushing my progression, if there are others watching cus I feel ridiculous, and am afraid of being labled as bad, or not talented or a joke.. Shy away from pictures if my face is showing cus I dont want anyone to post a bad pic on sm, and everybody thinking ew, too bad shes so ugly. Had a profile pic on yt and every time someone dissagreed with me on a topic they get personal and write well hey you're ugly, so there... . Dont go to reunions unless I am in the absolute best shape and my life is on an upswing, otherwise I feel they pitty or belittle me.. Lately I just stopped going all together.. It holds everything back and feels like a waste of life... So after going through everything from adhd, skizotypal, cptsd(which prolly caused the apd) and finally apd... It is the most accurate description of me I have ever read. Have Bds(bodily distress syndrome) as well, again prolly from apd. Am currently medicated for that, because after 7 years of it I dragged myself up to the doctor and broke down. But now I need the nerve to ask for help about this too, but its so hard to talk about.. Even writing this I think oh no what if someone I know reads it, that would be the most terrible thing ever.. I need to get over the 'no one can know' stage... I want to stop hiding, Ive wasted so much time already..
I can relate on so many levels. It’s one of the hardest mental health conditions to live with
To start, there is a good upside to this disorder. You learn to observe, watch, listen, and become insanely self aware of yourself at all times, even when you're alone.
First, props to getting in front of a camera and posting it. I'm sure you reviewed it multiple times to assure yourself it wasn't so bad, you did good. Second, I'll try to be short. I've been aware of this in myself for awhile, I'm about 11 years older, and maybe this will help, but in time ya just may become more cynical, and stop caring about what day to day randos think, thats where I'm at. I haven't worked for about 8 years, I've struggled bad with alcoholism, was homeless for 3 years, haven't had a relationship of any kind for 11 years, no sex even for 11 years. This shit is real, and it sucks. Finally got a good housing situation, now I just sit in my cynical complacency with my 2 cats, smoke weed, and avoid the world at all costs, most people suck these days anyways.
You’re brave! You allow yourself to be video recorded and put yourself out there knowing how difficult such a feat is for for an avoidant!
I had several other videos I’ve privated and consider doing the same to this one all the time, but luckily most of the feedback has been supportive and positive, which keeps me motivated to leave this up to help others. ❤️ thank you for the recognition!!
I work a residential service job where im in and out of houses all day having superficial interactions with people which is ideal. Its made it much easier compared to having to work side by side with the same ppl everyday.
that sounds like a dream job, no need to build rapport and keep appearances with colleagues/customers
I deal with this heavy it’s almost like I feel invisible most of the time
If you see this, reply and I’ll respond with a helping guide for treatment, that you can lay in your bed where you can work through this.
I just found out about Avoidant Personality Disorder today at 35 years of age.. looking up the symptoms of this disorder I strongly relate to it out of all of the disorders I have researched over the years. I've also listened to your whole video, and appreciate you telling of your life experiences so far. I can definitely relate to a lot of them.
Just found out about it a day ago and I am so glad that I at least know why I move through life the way I do. 32 years of life and now I finally get it. There’s a little comfort in knowing
me too...
i related to every single thing that you said.
I dont understand why some specialists consider thus dysorder to not be as hard to live with as others of the clouster B for example. How can they say that if literally what this personality disorder makes you do is NOT living and just stay under your blanket of your room too afraid of the world, not getting opportunoties to grow or to make memories to remember.
When you said that even if you go out it is an unenjoyable experience i felt that so hard. Instead of enjoying my time with friends id feel constantly anxious in every single moment because of what theyd think of me or perceive, so i dont live the present, sometimes it affects my memory too, i cant remember stuff happened in an afternoon with friends for example cause my mind wasnt there, insetad it was focussing on trying and failing to calm myself in social situations and also be ready to leave when an eventual panic attack occured
As someone who has gone thru disorder after disorder trying to find a fitting diagnosis, this really hits the nail on the head. It's so utterly difficult to describe deep-rooted feelings of inadequacy, ESPECIALLY when you're around other people you care about. This disorder is misunderstood in many ways that are damaging to people who deal with this on a daily basis. I've gone through imposter syndrome thinking it was extreme introversion or severe social anxiety. Ofc it's possible for these to occur together but the stigmas make it difficult for people to get diagnoses and help themselves yk? This video is very insightful and I'm glad I found it!
6:09 Definitley! I always 'avoided' the diagnosis because I thought "Huh? I don't actually avoid that much. I tackle situations a lot."
In Germany it has an alternative name to Avoidant personality disorder (it is actually called Anxiously avoidant personality disorder here). It is also called 'Selbstunsichere Persönlichkeitsstörung' and there is no English pendant to Selbstunsicherheit, as far as I know, but you can translate it somehow as 'Self insecure personality disorder' and I think that fits waaaay better than Avoidant PD most of the time.
Because... you can have a job, friends, relationship but still be very insecure.
very late to the party here. thanks for this video! i'm in the process of grappling with this potential diagnosis. for me, the major difference between my AvPD and social anxiety has to do with the root cause/feeling. my social anxiety is rooted in fear (of rejection, judgement, etc). which is of course crippling. but i feel like my AvPD is rooted more so in a BELIEF that i'm inferior. i believe i am inadequate, inferior, incompetent. and if i put myself out there, that risks people seeing me for how i truly am (inferior). which is why i had established this life long habit of avoiding. which is why i developed social anxiety. not sure why i feel this way about myself, maybe it's because i'm neurodivergent and had some negative social experiences as a child.
but i think what i'm struggling most with now is what to do about this. i need to figure out how to accept this and stop feeling so bitter about it. i need to figure out how to manage. i'm overwhelmed and don't know where to start
Yes, I totally understand what you’re saying and honestly am also feeling so overwhelmed, like every step I take forward is followed by many steps back. ❤️🩹 At least we aren’t as alone in it as we feel.
Watching this I felt like you were my thoughts talking back at me and knew what you were going to say before you said it because I related so much. I’m stressed because I’m 25 and I haven’t even touched a steering wheel and I’ve never had a job and I feel disappointed in myself and frustrated because I feel so inexperienced compared to people who’ve already done everything before even graduating high school. Anyways I’m studying creative writing in college and I’m hoping to bring awareness one day, I just know it’s extremely lonely knowing that nobody in my personal life will ever understand me.
I think you should try to find someone who will listen and not judge and I know that’s harder said than done lol but Keep going bro I believe in you
Damn this sounds exactly like me
I cannot believe I found this.Your words are totally exactly what I feel. Not engaging unless u know 100% it’s gonna be good exchange of interaction.I’m kind of in tears because I believed I was broken and felt inhumane. I admire relationships and friendships but just replying or meeting with them totally ruins me and I had no idea why was mega frustrating
I’m glad to have seen this video and seeing the comments it gives me hope because there’s a community who can also relate. It’s nice to know we aren’t alone :) thank u
I love getting these comments still because I remember the exact feeling of finding this disorder after over 27 years of feeling broken and realizing that there are others out there that feel exactly the same. 😭 I think our understanding of psychology is imperfect and I have a lot of theories about how this may overlap with autism or CPTSD but either way, we are out here. ❤️
I've never been someone who comments and is like "wow, this is exactly me!" but there's a first time for everything! I just got to the "long-term relationships are easy because of the obvious intimacy" + "friendships with women are Hard(TM)" and I am... speechless! Haha! Oh god and the wanting to be with someone who is obsessed with you... This is truly the most mind-blowing video I will watch for a really long time. I'm just happy and relieved and kind of numb right now that I'm not crazy and someone else's brain has done the same thing mine did. We're the same, age, too!
I hope you're having a good week, Maxine. Thank you more than I can say for posting this.
❤❤❤
This is the best account on avpd I've heard, thank you. It truly is & likely always will be miserable, which I think is something we need to at least partly accept in ourselves just for the sake of sanity, this is a personality after all. Our lot seldom get treated with understanding - everyone knows someone with anxiety who manages & "gets over it". We are just incapable, copout, jobless bums going nowhere fast to the eyes of the majority. Where possible, my advice is: stop playing that game. F- what people think! You are in fact probably definitely trying 100x harder than the people around you, this rubbish is damn well hard enough as it is... One thing I've noticed is that nature seems to provide solace for a lot of people, which makes sense. Find your interests and be that paradoxically sad/happy weirdo. We certainly pay for it, but we do have that extra time to master certain topics or interests so can actually contribute a unique insight that others can't. Utilizing that in the real world is of course a different story, but not impossible...
It's shocking how similar all our stories are. i spent most of my life misdiagnozed. down to therapists losing their patience with me and being very obnoxious about it. figuring it out was a real come-to-jesus moment for me.
You're incredible for making a video. I could not.
Very interesting it definitely helped me. I am 54 yrs and just been diagnosed with AvPD. I am sad that it has taken me this long to gain clarity and hate myself a bit less. You are still youngi. At your age, I was a mess. Good luck to you x
I had the same experience of shock when I randomly discovered that AVPD exists yesterday. I didn’t even know there were more than 4 kinds of personality disorders. Now I’m researching everything I can. I’ve known about social anxiety for a year or two, but it doesn’t explain the depth of how the fear affects my life. I can’t maintain friendships or family relationships. I’ve harmed my career. I’ve started having issues in my romantic relationship because I feel betrayed by comments my partner has made. It’s crippling. And I’ve been suffering in silence my entire life because there’s nothing very abnormal in my outward appearance. I seem busy, or tired, or forgetful. The avoidance is like a mist always around me. No one really sees me.
10:10 - 10:32 "That I felt like I would rather die, than go" is so true... :S
Having a job means having extreme panic & stress & the feeling of being overwhelmed, everyday, except saturday. :(
edit:
11:19 - 11:37 100% same for me... I would love to try jobs, but if I got one, I would stand in front of the company 10 minutes before shift starts, all ready, and then turn around & go home, *simply because of the fear of having to interact with new people that I don't know....* It's pointless to try and fail. Just like in any school that I was forced to go, anxiety days would happen, and in work environment they can not happen as often as they happen.
Thank you for sharing this one. Sometimes I cannot translate what I am experiencing into words and people like you is such a heaven sent!
I’m watching this a year after you uploaded it and I identify with every single trait. And I’ve been obsessively researching different diagnoses too.
I needed this, thank you.
Hi, thank you for sharing :D
The way you describe AVPD through your own experiences is some much more helpful than the usual textbook, superficial videoes out there.
I was recently diagnosed with AVPD, and like you, had no idea it even existed - of course it all resonated with me and my life though.
How you describe work situations strikes me particularly hard, and it's one of my absolute key issues. And by issue , I of course mean absolute nightmare. I've only endured it due to excessive drinking. That's another part of this personality disorder most are unaware of, we seem to gentle, tender and soft spoken to have serious substance abuse problems, am I right? Anyway, a couple of years ago I had to quit work, I've been in treatment and evaluation since - and to be honest I can't see myself going back either. My mental copilot to AVPD is bipolar disorder, a hilariously inplausible and contradictive combination, so I don't have the stability to fuction consistently - it's more than enough to cope and maintain my mental health in everyday life.
I really wanted to comment on how you elaborate on the criteria - in the DSM they seem insignificant and unproblematic. I think a reason AVPD often is described as a mild personality disorder, is it mainly affect ourselves - we dont cause much problems for others, and we are good at disguising it.
However, as you, I find it utterly dreadful and debilitating. It seeps into every nook and cranny of our life, twists reality, lies to us, steals from us and imprisons us.
I found this list on wiki, it's not the english wiki - to me it shows the comprehensiveness of AVPD and the myriad of hurt it causes.
The really fun ones start halfway down...
Thanks again :)
--------
People with AvPD are concerned about their own inadequacy and enter into friendships with others as long as they are sure that they will not be rejected. Loss and rejection are so painful for them, that they choose to be lonely rather than risk rejection.
-Has a strong desire to be social, but can not.
-Talks about a specific 'harmless' topic (work, family, special events) to avoid personal questions.
-Never intentionally say something that will hurt another person.
-Goes far beyond their own boundaries to take care of others.
-Some have little contact with close family, for fear of being 'seen through' while others have only contact with close family and have only a few close or no friends.
-Some are very quiet and engrossed in the thought of their own inability to say anything sensible. Is convinced that no one has any interest in their opinions.
-Some people talk incessantly to control the conversation and prevent personal questions.
-Avoid physical contact for fear that someone will get too close.
-Extremely low self-esteem.
-Strong hatred towards one's own person.
-Desperate desire to be invisible.
-Emotional distancing in intimate situations.
-Problems working in a work context.
-Do not see that anyone can enjoy their presence.
-Feeling inferior to others.
-In extreme cases - agoraphobia.
-Creates their own fantasy world as an escape tool and to disturb painful thoughts.
-Locates exits and positions themselves so that they can escape without anyone noticing.
-May be sensitive to odors, loud noises or lights.
-Often has problems setting boundaries and is vulnerable to manipulative people.
-Strong need for control.
-Perfectionism, everything should be perfect so no one can blame anything on them.
-Often changes hairdresser / grocery store / restaurant for fear of being recognized.
-Will not associate with colleagues or friends for fear of being caught in a situation without the opportunity to escape.
If the disorder remains untreated, the person will increasingly isolate themselves.
I know this video is a year old but I have to comment... I've never felt more visible watching a video. Avoidant personality disorder is rarely talked about- and if it is, it's demonized - we're "lazy" and "toxic". I've seen so many comments on tik tok telling people to not be in romantic relationships with us. And the fact that it's considered "an easier" personality disorder than the rest is so harmful. My struggle feels invisible in every setting I'm in. Even in treatment. Thank you for this.
I have been in a relationship with a woman exactly like you. I always wondered why she does what she did. Its obvious, the longer they are with somebody, the more distant they become. They are afraid of bonding, they are afraid of what they will get and discover something new. She does have a valid point. Covert narcissists cannot be identified, until its too late. They take the avoidant path. I dont take it personally anymore. I must accept her or move on.
I just want to thank you for this video. Just two days ago I found a video on this disorder. I am almost 55 years old and just never understood what was wrong with me. My parents just died two years ago 3 days apart in December. My mom was bipolar but they hid it from us. I have a nephew that went off the deep end. So I've been doing a little research on mental illness. They believe he is also bipolar. So in this research I started to understand my mom and why she acted the way she did. Which is very sad because I feel her life could have been so different and a little more understood. But then I was looking up video's trying to figure out if my niece has been misdiagnosed on her issues. Then found the one on avoidant personality disorder. I was aware I had issues but never knew the right words to look up. I was extremely shy and never had very many friends or boy friends. I just thought it was the shyness and low self-esteem. I have one friend and she's just always been around. Lives in a different state and more like a phone friend. So really no friends. I have been married for 30 years but he's a homebody. So made it very easy for me to live this way. Now I need to figure out how to make my life a little better. I'm pretty comfortable in my own little bubble. But I have a sister that when her adult children are having issues I'm who she calls. This is so stressful and can be overwhelming. But if it wasn't my mom it was one of them. One of the biggest for me is if they didn't call me I would never call them. I have a brother also that I hardly ever talk to but truly feel he has his own issues. Then I do feel I have found mine. It's only been a few days but I have considered talking to a therapist or something. I would love to hear your input on this.
I'm a bit late but here I am anyway.
I was diagnosed with AvPD a little over a year ago. What helps me / what I do to cope is
- talking to my psychiatrist once a month
- writing about it in my journal
- texting a friend and my boyfriend about it. Venting and analyzing events helps preventing a panic attack that could happen next time I'm facing the triggering situation
- not avoiding the situation but going through it despite being extremely anxious. I give myself a pep talk, I do my best and that's it.
If you can I recommend doing these steps before, during and after the stressful event so you're aware of your triggers and see how you're evolving. It's doing wonders for me, at least.
Perfect thank you for the advice
How often do you find yourself venting to your SO and friend? Is there a boundary in place to protect their emotional strength?
thank you for making this video. this is really helpful. i feel this way even in front of my family. i am embarassed and disapointed for myself and also for people around me. yes i have a justification for all of my fears but it feels so lonely. it's like i could do it, i could do better but i always feel misunderstood. developped and eating disorder cause i don't wanna take food in front me people. me too, i got bullied and SA from a family member. it's so much, and the real reason i don't go see someone to talk about it is because i know it's going to be a long process. it's exhausted and i didn't even start nothing. everytime i've tried to explain my fears it's like, they don't get it. substance abuse, me too i don't have a relationship with my brother. i'm sad. thanks for this video it's making me think.
i'm glad this video was helpful for you and i'm sorry you're struggling too. thank you so much for commenting and i hope we all find peace someday!
I’m fairly certain I have AvPD, too. I self-diagnosed it 4 years ago, but haven’t wanted to really accept it by getting an official diagnosis, but maybe I need to.
Anyways, I relate so much to your story. Thank you so much for sharing it. Hope you’re well.
Thank you for sharing your story. I know I'm not alone. What you spoke about really resonated with me.
The way you described researching about psychology to understand your mental health better is so relatable... I literally looked into stuff the same way wtf?? Autism, BPD, Bipolar, NPD, ADHD... Then finally came across AvPD and it all makes so much sense. I also suspect that I have ADHD because my inattentiveness cannot be explained by AvPD lmao.
Your video just gave me so much hope.. I'm struggling to get proper treatment for my mental health and sometimes feel like giving up. But to know that I'm not alone, that there are people like us across the world, trying their best to live a better life... It makes me so happy that I almost cried oof.
I wish you all the best in life, I hope you're well and doing better 💛❤️
Thank you so much ❤️ Although the “right” diagnosis only gets you so far (especially with a PD) it’s universal to feel that sigh of relief that at least we aren’t crazy or the only ones.
I’m actively working to get better again finally, but it’s not easy. 😅 I highly recommend treating all PDs as a form of CPTSD and using those resources as well, I’ve seen some great success stories from that approach. ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹
It's interesting that you have constantly been in serious romantic relationships, as an expression of this disorder. For me I am almost 28 as well and have never been in a romantic relationship whatsoever. I feel completely incapable. I had one close friend in middle/high school but over time I started to feel uncomfortable and that distance grew. And the virtual loss of that friendship basically destroyed any of my drive to make new close friendships. I never felt like social anxiety quite fit, but this disorder does better.
I have codependency issues as well as potential quiet bpd. I pick one person in my life to latch on to in the hopes of foregoing all other relationships. But actually, even these relationships suffer *greatly* from the AvPD.
I was just recently diagnosed with this and I was so happy as well to find it. I'm so glad something finally explains what I always thought was just anxiety. Now I can explain why I never can do anything I actually wanna do with friends.
I can relate to this on so many levels, I've been diagnosed with everything I thought you were until I realized from connecting the dots I'm an avoidant on every level, I haven't dated in 9 years i'm 29 and the over analyzation re-runs are impossible to talk out of, it's excruciatingly discomfort getting close to people I've been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, ADHD, the loop-d-loop of trusting I could fix myself, when I realized my social anxiety never much got better even with medication I just feel like, I need to breathe and maybe accept this, I've been avoidant all my life afraid of risks never had friends but thought to myself, i've just about mastered the art of being alone, I'm way to comfortable with it and that's my only difference on avoidance personality, I'm trying to learn how to express emotions freely even and working on trust, I've bought books on DBT Dialectical Therapy, CBT Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I tried everything, i'm starting to get numb on what people think of me as i've been humiliated soo much in the past but still optimistic that If I improve or don't just got to take life slowly, I hope I can relate to a lot of you out there.. Thank You Maxine for your story!! To have soo much in common it's a relief there is actual people like this we can relate with..
Thank you for sharing so openly about this disorder. The way you explained it was logical and helpful. Your story has filled in a huge piece of the puzzle for me. I think I've always felt different, and less than. I also have difficulty organising thoughts and articulating them. I can easily lose my train of thought mid-sentence. It's so embarrassing. Having this on top of AvPD makes social interactions even more fraught for me.
Thank you for creating videos and sharing your stories. I find them very useful. I am in love with a man with avoidant personality disorder who as soon as we became close, pushes me away :(
I do the same thing to my partners, and didnt even realize it until a year ago or so. I'm sorry you're going through that, I'm sure it's difficult. But I'm glad you looked for insight and hope my videos can help you understand him better. ❤ Good luck.
My wife may have written this .
I come back to this video every now and then when I'm looking for words to explain my situation, weird as it may sound. You just word everything so perfectly, and every time I'm moved to tears again. I hope you're doing well these days, and thank you for uploading!
I can relate so well with what you talk about. I discovered this diagnosis to be true for me only a few days ago (I knew before that this disorder existed, but never considered to have a closer look at it). Sadly, I was even in therapy for a while, but we were not able to diagnose it correctly, which led to mistreatment and unsuccessful therapy, which of course was a disappointment.
The weird thing is that over the years I developed quite a few compensatory skills to cover up my insecurity and fear of rejection. So in social situations I would behave more or less confidently, while at the same time I always felt / feel lonely and insecure, even when in close contact with people. I always had like 1-2 close friends. With the same patterns as yours: I was able to maintain those friendships because I was very sure to be accepted and loved. But if they wouldn't have called me / wouldn't call me, I would suppose they are not interested in me anymore, don't like me anymore and so on. This also makes it very difficult to start intimate relationships, and once established, distrust would crawl in.
Those compensatory skills I talked about paradoxically made it even worse in a way: When talking with others about my insecurity and fear of rejection, people would soothe me, and reassure that I shouldn't be afraid of this or that, or that I could act confidently because I am such a good guy. But because of this, I was never able to really talk about my fears and anxieties on a fundamental basis; our conversations never had a common ground. Which increased my feelings of being inadequate, not well understood and so on. And of course, it didn't help me at all to overcome it.
Somehow it already helps to know about the existence of this disorder, so that I can understand: It's not me who is inadequate, but those feelings are rooted in my disorder. Now I hope I'll find some assistance to overcome it. Sadly, as this disorder is so overlooked (and probably under-diagnosed), there are only very few books out there about the topic (in case I don't seek a professional, I'd enjoy reading about it). Especially in my non-English-speaking home country (I wouldn't mind reading English books, but even in English, there is only a handful of books).
Thank you for sharing this with us and for creating some awareness for this diagnosis
Thank you for sharing your story! I can relate with everything you said. I've never been able to keep a job for longer than 2 months because of anxiety, I dropped out of high school because at some point I became to afraid to even go to school and the same thing happened in two colleges. In relationships I've gotten lucky twice where the girl would take all the initiative at first, but later on in the relationship I became closed off and we grew apart. I've never taken the initiative myself, even though that's one of the things I want the most in life.
I've known for 3 years that I have this disorder, but didn't do research until now. Just hearing you tell your story makes me feel less alone.
I wish you the best with everything!
I'm happy you made this video. I've been investigating about it and seeing someone talk makes me feel less alone.
30:03 "If you aren't 100% sure that somebody likes you, It's scary" This has ruled my life like no other
Edit: the whole "scary" thing, and being "scared" is something I understand completely. It's not just like extremely anxious, but instead, is so bad that you're scared of it almost like a phobia.
It's so impressive that you share this. I had a similar reaction when I read the symptoms of AVPD - it was so spot on that I started laughing and crying at the same time, it was absurd reading it.
Anyway, I actually wanted to write a comment on how beautiful you are - the way you talk, and your eyes too are just stunning!! I just had to say it! It's actually hard to understand that you can have such negative thoughts about yourself (that's the crazy and sad part about this disorder I guess, how the mind completely twist our self image and how real that image appears to us and ultimately limits our lives).
Wish you and everyone else here all the best
the fact that ur brave to share this alone, ihope u know we WILL Liberate from this. i recently just started recording, documenting my journey intending to liberate from this, ifeel like is important we bring hope into this community bcs ifeel like many don’t realize it’s possible to really liberate
I can relate totally to your story. It is me in many ways and the common thread I believe is starting out with social anxiety or being an anxious person and add experiencing bullying when a child and it's a toxic cocktail that creates this disorder. I too have had difficulty establishing friendships with women most of my life. I have had very few friends those have been close. I have also been diagnosed with GED and depression. It's been a life long struggle. I started on Paxil around 25 years ago and it did help a great deal with the anxiety and depression and my ability to cope. The good news is as long as you keep trying in life it gets easier as you get older. I became more comfortable with myself in my own skin in my forties. I had to raise a child on my own and work and learned to separate my work identity from my personal identity. I put on my work face and am outgoing and do what I need to but I know it's just a face I put on in order to earn a living. I feel more comfortable around people because I honestly don't care what they think of me anymore. I know what value I am as a human being. I don't need anyone's approval. You are a beautiful, smart woman. What people think of you has no real value because people in general will find some fault with you. What you think about yourself is all that matters. People have never been very good to me, except for a few family and people I love and I am blessed to have those people. But in general people are out for what they can get and are emotional vampires. If they are nice to you it's because they want something from you. You are better to keep a few close people and family and for the rest of humanity, you are in reality too good for most of them.
I have NEVER in my life related to a video more than to this one. I struggle with the things you described and for the past year I thought I have autism. I also have only two friends (weird coincidence). Thank you for sharing your experience. Watching this video made me realize some things about myself. I really appreciate you posting it.
Recently I found out that I have full blown AvPD. I thought I only had a couple traits of it, but someone who has been treating me for years informed me that I actually tick every box for it. It's been interesting.
One tough thing has been seeing some people say that we make bad partners. As someone who is perpetually single but would like to find someone, it's pretty demoralizing.
I have like…. Relationship dysphoria. I’ve never been single, but none of my relationships have been successful either. And I’m not sure if it’s my lack of being able to effectively communicate in a relationship (avoidance avoidance avoidance of any conversation of feelings or vulnerability) or my choice in partners, as I move from one to another so quickly and often bond primarily over traumas in the beginning. 😩 It’s likely both, but it’s not great. I think I’ve realized in order for success in a relationship, at least one person needs to be fairly securely attached lol.
Im one of those people who you help3d through this video. As far back as I can remember, like you. Although I was a popular kid, my favorite days were when I could slip away and hide during recess. I so relate to your adult experience too. Thank you so much.
I stumbled across your channel after reading your comment on Victoria Terekhina's channel. I watched a few of your videos. I hope you are doing well. For what its worth... your actually pretty good on RUclips. You choose your words carefully and convey in a nice flow.
Crazy to think how I got here because of the comment you posted from another video. This is so brave. I too have AvPD so I get it . Hugsss! I wish you all the best ♥️
Thank you so so much for watching and commenting! ❤ I hope my channel helps make you feel less alone.
Same here. Thank you for commenting on the other video and thank you for your videos. ❤
me to .
Honestly I think it's the first time ever that I relate 100% to someone having Avpd... Every aspect of your life reflects exactly mine. Except I'm 40 now and it's worst than ever. I've also considered Autism/Schizoid/BPD etc etc... Whatever you have honestly I must be having because WE'RE THE SAME... I self diagnosed as Avpd with codependency and bpd comorbidities. I know people hate self diagnoses, but really I never was able to get in treatment. Every time I try something I just don't sleep from the anxiety of the event and I just end up avoiding it to relieve myself. When I do get through it's so stressful that I can't be myself and it ends up close to a panic attack.
Anyways.... I wish I could have you as a friend. Good job! I like your channel and I like you!
You are absolutely brave for sharing this Maxine. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for watching!
I had never even heard of this personality disorder until today and I’m shocked by how much I can relate to it
I don't have any advice for you (if I had good advice I'd be following it myself!) just don't waste your life, it's so precious. You're attractive, clearly intelligent and articulate - and still young (it might not seem it but take it from a 50 year-old that you are!). Your prison is locked from the inside. It might feel awful but it means that it is within your capacity to open it. Good luck.
I very much can relate , I wish there was more we could do to make a difference, obviously It wont make a difference to our personal lives but make a difference in awareness and resources to help all of us who deal with this.
I recently came across this same disorder and exactly as you describe,I went wtf this is me all over.I too had been searching for something and nothing really fit my experience.I always new something was wrong just could never pin it down, thankyou for letting me know that I'm not alone which as you know is what this disorder can make you feel,even with people around.
God, you actually described my life :( this is exactly how I’ve felt for so long. You’re not alone, wishing you so much love and strength ❤️ thank you for uploading this
Like others here, I was just diagnosed this past week! I heard nearly 1/2 cases may be hereditary; seems my Dad had it. Neither of us are completely shy; our work ethic puts us out there. But mine is worse, I have basically felt defective since at least kindergarten. So, still searching for situations that may have driven it home.
I was also bullied--by other girls in elementary school, by boys nearing adolescence. I also have no good sense of what people actually think of me. So trust issues, and no close friends or relationships for a couple decades.
This (your video) was in my recomended on my YT front-page. I recently got diagnosed with it myself, and i'm not really sure what to think yet. I mean yes, i feel like it's me, and it helps me a bit in reminding myself why i am like i am, but yeah..
I also have thought I have like autism or being bipolar, having ADD like others in my family has. An have taken tests online for them.. like u have.
I recently also found a video i watched that explained AvPD and it made me like.. teary eyed/emotional.. bc i was like, oh sh!t that's me!! And your video is also like you're talking about me and i'm like... that's exactly how i went through it!
Also wishing i went to therapy about this sooner, so I knew about it in middle/high school etc. But that's on me bc I have always postponed going.. until now!
Thank you for sharing your story out there! I relate to it very much!
Wish i would be brave enough to as well, i've recently just told my closest friends about it and it made me nervous as heck to tell them bc scared of what they would think etc.!
(also checking other comments to see what others have written bc i'm not sure if mine's good enough lmaoo, hence all the editing)
Hugs from Scandinavia:)
I absolutely appreciate your honesty. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for doing this. I know it couldn't have been easy but you still did it! In my eyes, you're a hero. 🤗💐💕
thank you, friend! lucky to know you.
This does help. I’m 26 and I just found out about this. Umm I honestly feel my life would be completely different in a good way if I didn’t have an avoidant personality disorder. I’m trying to do better now that I’m aware it’s just really hard.
You're living my life with my brain, but I'm late 30s. Your video explained myself to me extremely well. Thank you 🙏
Hey, thanks so much for sharing your experience with avpd. Must be hard telling this and showing yourself vulnerable. Your intentions are pure and good, appreciate that so much.
I'm a 24yo guy and a few days ago I got diagnosed with this. Looking back on my current life, it slowly starts to make sense, because I always thought there was 'something wrong' with me. I guess I can't change how I grew up, neither my parents past behavior towards me. I wont blaim myself, and neither my parents for that matter. Weird thing is I also became Christian a few months ago, I did found a profound meaning and peace before being diagnosed, which balances things out, and in the future too, I hope. If you don't mind, I'll pray for you, and for that matter all people with avpd. Again thanks so much for your pure heart.
Thanks for the video. Having a hard avoidant day and its helpful to relate to someone else through the screen.
Thank you for your courage in making this video. My sister younger sister has this diagnosis and our relationship is nonexistent. I have been trying to understand what she is going through....you helped me a lot! We will never be close and I am more at peace with the reasons why... I am no longer trying to fix her...that realization is a good step for me.
Thank you for sharing your story, it helps people like you and me to feel less alone. I am 35 and I have only just discovered this personality disorder. I for the longest time thought it was social anxiety but I relate more to AVPD. I relate so much to what your saying. I myself am unemployed and I am avoiding going back to work. People dont realize how hard this is. And it is a serious disorder that we need to talk about more
thank you for making this!! i’m rewatching this for the second time to take notes to prepare for my psychiatrist appointment tomorrow. i’ve been seeing a psychologist for about a year now and bouncing between different diagnoses- i’m currently diagnosed with GAD, bipolar 2, adhd, possibly OCD & am pursuing an autism diagnosis. although i definitely have ADHD, my anxiety and fear of humiliation/rejection is debilitating and controls my life. your video is the first time i had ever heard of AvPD and i cannot explain the sense of relief i had when i heard your experience. i’m so happy to know there’s people like me
Thank you for this video, there doesn't seem to be a lot of resources of people with the disorder talking about it themselves. I think I'm going to bring this up with my psych tbh. I'm diagnosed with a few things, including social anxiety, but I never felt like it quite fit me. Especially because my Mom has anxiety and my best friend has social anxiety, and the way mine manifests is nothing like theirs. But I did express 'anxieties', like in highschool my friend group had to explicitly invite me to sit with them, or else I automatically assumed they didn't want me there because I'm annoying, and I would eat at an empty table or in the bathroom. My best friend of 6 years initiates 90% of our phone calls, and I don't share my interests with him on purpose because I can't handle it when he doesn't like them. I even have a memory from when I was 11 of a family friend teaching me how to play poker, and complimenting me on how I really had potential to be good at it. I then proceeded to violently sob, and when asked why, I said it's because "I feel like I'm lying to all of you, to trick you into thinking I'm smart. When I'm actually stupid and a failure". This was because I made one very small mistake while playing. There are a million more examples tbh. I felt how you described when I first looked up AVPD, where I resonated so strongly to all the diagnostic criteria that it was jarring. So my point is, thank you for making and sharing this video! I also hope all is going well for you in your treatment journey 💕
Hope you get better, it’s really hard to have this 😢. I am going through the same with myself too, your words given encouragement and understanding that someone on another corner of life feeling the same way I do. Thank you for your bravery to put yourself out there. It takes lot’s courage to do this with what you going through.
Thank you. Thank you so much. This made me cry. I feel what you are going through, because i'm suffering from the same shit, I know that tone of voice you're talking with the silence and the aaaaa between the words, it's like I'm talking. I just discovered a few weeks ago that I'm definitely AVPD and it shocked me, because I.never heard of it before, I never actually thought it was a disorder, I thought this just me! Talking about the learning process and wanting to do everything by yourself I doooo understand this in a very deep way, So I really appreciate your effort to make this clear enough and talk about it, thanks alot, so much love♥
Feels so good to know we're not the only ones. ❤ Thank you so much for your comment!!
I relate to a lot of what you've shared here. Another aspect of this disorder that I'm really only coming to terms with is that it's robbed me of the opportunity to learn who I am as a person and what I want out of life. I've been so deterred by my fear of rejection that I've done very little that might lead me to deepen and affirm my interests. As I get older, the regret I feel about lost opportunities, coupled with my own sense of inexperience and inadequacy relative to other people my age, has really eaten away at me. Having said all that, I've got to believe it's possible to get better.
Absolutely. I made another video about identity that touches on this. At 28, I feel like I’m finally beginning the self-exploration that others did in their teens and early 20s. But I do agree… I think things can only get better as I gain life experience and continue to grow.
@@anxious_and_avoidant I'll check it out! And good luck on your journey. In my early 30s, it's still a struggle figuring out what I want to do. But good to know other people are figuring out the same puzzle. :)
This is the first video of yours I've seen and it's because I specifically looked up AVPD. I suppose I was just like you, researching on mental health topics and just trying to learn as much as I could about random things (narcissists, ADHD, bipolar disorder, CPTSD, etc etc). A year ago I stumbled across an AVPD video and I checked off on all the symptoms as well. I asked my boyfriend who was going through med school, "hey do you think this might be me?". He just so happened to be taking a psych course that semester and was learning about personality disorders. He told me that I might actually be right. He sent me a screenshot of a few of his powerpoint slides on cluster A, B and C personality disorders, so I went down that rabbit hole of looking up videos and reading up on each PD. I learned that I am most likely AVPD when I was 28. I'm now 29 and I've been jobless for almost 4 years now. Interviews terrify me and make me horribly anxious. I joined a couple AVPD Facebook support groups and it gives me great comfort to know that I'm not alone in this, although it does make me sad that other people have to suffer like I do. I found out I'm not the only one terrified of interviews, but I also learned some people with AVPD can't drive at all because of severe anxiety as well.
I had a cousin several years older than me who lived in a country overseas from where I live, who took her own life when she was 16. I only got to visit her once or twice at a very young age, so I didn't know her well at all plus there was a language barrier between us. I learned from my parents that before she passed away she had no friends, was very lonely and shy and spent a lot of time alone at home. She didn't have any siblings either because the country she lived in had a one-child policy. She left behind a diary where she wished her parents would have twins after she died, because 1) she didn't want the next child feeling as lonely as she did and 2) twins were the only exception to the one-child policy. I don't have that much information to go off of, but I strongly suspect she may have had AVPD and that it may run in the family if that is the case.
Sorry for rambling and writing so much. Thank you for making this video. You're very brave for doing so. I hope you're doing okay these days. ♥
As a fellow 29 year old who hasn’t worked in years and struggles to drive (can drive alone, but too much anxiety to drive with a passenger) you are definitely not alone. ❤️ I’m planning to make a video soon about my observations and theories (from my own experience) about how I think AvPD overlaps with other pathologies like autism, ADHD, CPTSD, and BPD.
@@anxious_and_avoidant Sounds like something I'd be very much interested in! I'm looking forward to it. :)
Tysm for sharing. I feel the workplace stuff heavyyy.
I agree with you that this disorder is life ruining. At least it is for me. The constant battle within of longing versus fear and anxiety and feeling inferior is debilitating.
I am impressed by how you dare to put yourself out there like this and to be able to explain so well how this disorder impacts your life. For me it's hard to do so, also because of hearing myself explain it to myself brings fort embarrasment and shame. I guess I have not fully accepted that I have AvPD, even though it's officially diagnosed through therapy. And when I got the diagnosis and hearing about it by my therapists and reading about it online, I immediately knew this is what I'm suffering from.
Hearing you talk about your life and how this disorder impacts you, is almost exactly the same as how I experience it and have experienced life events. I do wonder though, as I'm a male if there is a difference between the disorder dependable on gender. From what i've gathered on the internet, it seems females with this disorder, somehow have it a bit "easier" finding a romantic partner, all things considered.
Edit: PS: from what i've gathered though this disorder can only be diagnosed in adults, as in the symptoms of this disorder are really hard to spot earlier in life and if so, not necessarily attributable to this disorder.
There’s definitely a difference between gender experiences I’m sure. For me, when I was younger I was conventionally attractive and compensated for my complete lack of self confidence with the validation of men, which led me to partners easily. The problem for me has always been *after* that initial boost of validation waned and I was left with the expectations of vulnerability in that relationship. I’ve been fueled by the quest for that romantic validation my whole life, because that’s the only way I’ve ever felt ok. As I’m getting older, i am losing the ability and desire to use how men perceive me to stay afloat - and I’m understanding more how men with this disorder probably feel in those ways. ❤️🩹❤️
@@anxious_and_avoidant Yeah I can understand why you got fueled by the quest for romantic validation. That quest regardless of inner motivation is perhaps an AvPD thing anyway. I believe I'm on that quest too, but for me, I never reached it to the long term relationship status. Anyway, I'm glad I could listen to your story, in a way hearing someone else talk about pretty much the same difficulties, so to speak, helps me reflecting as well. Because ironically, I tend to avoid in that area as well XD.
Cheers and best of luck you!
Great video, really informative. I think I have AVPD. Watching from London. 🇬🇧
Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment 🥺❤
Thanks for this video, I struggle with even putting into words what I feel , always automatically think that no one else will ever be able to understand what my thinking patterns are or what I feel, pretty sure I related to a lot.
Doesn’t it feel so shocking to realize there *are* others who understand?
@@anxious_and_avoidant yeah, I think i know somewhere in my mind logically at this point that there are other people who relate and have similar experiences but to actually feel it is different..
Do you ever doubt you have avpd? I have read about it many times before and have related to it but I always keep doubting whether I have it or not, sometimes I think I only have fearful avoidant attachment and not the personality disorder. I think the stigma of calling it a personality disorder which are supposed to be more serious as opposed to normal things like anxiety, depression etc the usual stuff are also holding me back i feel. Cus it's like if I accept it, I will have to accept that I am even more not as relatable to the general population who just have the usual diagnosis like social anxiety, depression and all..
Am I overthinking too much about the specific diagnosis? Is this my OCD doubting excessively?
Having so little info about it doesn't help either, it makes me feel nobody even cares about it.
Sorry for so many things at once. I have had these in my mind for a long time, and just figuring a way to express them..
debilitating is an accurate way to describe this disorder. I feel like I am on the edge of getting fired for no reason at all. This last year with the pandemic, I was assigned the greeter/cashier role which means I got yelled at regarding masks and stuff, did not make my situation any better at all. I just resigned after being on medical leave for a couple months. just never had time to really recover from working part time retail...I thought that this part time job would allow me to work but I will continue the search for another job I guess.
I worked at a Walmart for all of 1 shift (after the training) because every single manager acted annoyed that I was new… loool I feel you. The social pressures of “easy” jobs are nooooooot for me. 😮💨
The pandemic has been brutal on retail and grocery workers. They’ve had to bare the brunt of everyone’s anger.