Have you ever felt like someone is so close yet still so far away? Has someone ever told you that? How did you react? Did you think much into it or did you just brush it away? Do you think it warrants much deeper thought and reflection than we give it or do you believe it’s not a big deal and should be shrugged away? Let’s find out today.

Being in a crowd can be really overwhelming. I personally sometimes intentionally make myself invisible so I won’t have to talk to people. I feel so nervous and so overwhelmed when in the presence of a large crowd (or even a small one). I fidget, shake my legs, rub my palms together, and pace around till I’ve covered the distance from the Nile to Cape Town. But do I have Avoidant Personality Disorder? Do I need to seek help?

An avoidant personality disorder is one of the personality disorders. It is characterized by avoiding social situations due to feelings of inadequacy and being hypersensitive to criticism. People with this disorder, they would like to socialize and interact with people but they can’t due to their fears of being judged. 

The major symptoms of APD are:

  1. Feelings of inadequacy – one has low self-esteem and often doubts themselves, especially when in a social gathering. They feel like they are inferior to other people. 
  2. Social withdrawal – since they feel inadequate and really fear rejection, they tend to always stay away from social gatherings and/or events. 
  3. Oversensitivity and taking criticism deeply to heart.
  4. Self-isolation – the person tends to isolate and stay away from other people because they are afraid of being rejected or criticized.

People with APD often shy away from social situations and can get extremely anxious. Since they think of themselves as inadequate or inferior, they don’t speak up since they are afraid of saying the wrong things, stammering, or embarrassing themselves. They are also constantly trying to study the people they are with for signs of acceptance or rejection. 

We have defined APD and its symptoms, now let us look at what exactly causes APD.

Despite much research being done, the exact cause of APD has not been established yet. It is thought to be caused by a mixture of genetics and environmental factors. It is believed that it can be passed down in families, though not yet proven. People who experienced a lack of affection and rejection a lot as children are more predisposed to getting APD. Children who also face abuse or violence are more predisposed to APD.

Finally, can APD be prevented? Unfortunately, no. But while it can’t be prevented, it is often advisable to seek help as soon as you begin noticing the symptoms. Go to a medical practitioner for diagnosis and they will recommend the best ways to handle it. 

Sharonah ❤❤❤