Featured books

Distancing: Avoidant Personality Disorder

Disorders of Personality: DSM and Beyond, 2nd edition

Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Clinical Practice

Mindfulness and Acceptance

Transforming Anxiety, Transcending Shame

A Guide to Rational Living

Party of One

The Highly Sensitive Person

The Introvert Advantage

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Name:      Petie
State:       Canada

Story:

I am a 46 year old woman who came across the term "Avoidant Personality Disorder" for the first time today.  Everything I've read describes me perfectly, and I can relate to a lot of what I've read in other people's stories.

I've always been "shy" and quiet, and have never felt comfortable going to parties or other large gatherings unless I had one close person with me who I could talk to.  I'm married with four children; thankfully none of my children has the same level of anxiety that I do.

I'm going through a really rough patch right now because I started a new job 6 months ago that involves a lot of contact with people, performance-related tasks, and even doing group presentations.  I took it because I thought it would be "good" for me to step outside my comfort zone.  This is so far outside that zone that I'm starting to have daily crying bouts, as well as a constant feeling of anxiety.  I'm expected to contribute to group discussions but am afraid to because I'm sure I'll end up looking stupid. 

I went to see my family doctor yesterday only to be told to "calm down" and "stop crying".  Not very helpful!  I'm hoping he will refer me to a mental health clinic because I really need someone to talk to.  I don't have any friends close by that I can talk to about this, and while my husband is sympathetic, he really doesn't understand what it's like.
Well, I think that's enough for now, although I could go on and on...thanks for listening!

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