Avoidant Personality Support Group

Though having recently found out about my AvPD, its symptoms have long been my dark companions who have made it difficult for me to functioning normally. I have and still am struggling with low self-esteem, doubts, social anxiety, perfectionism, and irrational fears. It is hurting my relationships and future dreams, and I want to put a stop to its depredations. Though I am not yet old enough to have developed a wise and lasting insight into AvPD, for now I am fighting it as best as I can in ways I know how. So I write, I post, and I do my best to help others to manage the same pain that plagues me.

For all those struggling with AvPD, I just want to remind you all how precious you are. Do not let others tell you differently, for we are all valuable members of this society and beloved children of God. The world is not a scary place; and though people may sometimes be cruel, remember that we are too strong to be unmanned by their antics. We are who we believe ourselves to be, and road to recovery starts from changing those perceptions.

Love yourself and never lose hope! There is nothing optimism and time cannot cure. :)

I spent most of my life immersed in self-doubt and self-esteem issues, including AVPD, social anxiety, GAD. My stress level was chronic and led to the development of IBS. When I reached my twenties and realized I was not fully functioning, my depression and anxiety only increased. When my child was born, I realized I had to, somehow, find my way out of these behaviors and limited lifestyle. And, that's just what I did. It's been a long, totally worthwhile journey. I've learned to eat a healthy, primarily organic and locally grown diet, exercise daily, (stretching, weights and cardio), plus I learned to set boundaries. Setting boundaries meant a big, scary shift in my relationships but I was committed to having the life I wanted and being the role model my son needed. Once I learned to set boundaries, I gravitated to personalities who respected those boundaries and eventually was able to trust and now have a solid support network with a very strong me at the core!

One of the tools in my arsenal was definitely MDJ. Now, I feel successful in my life, no longer hampered by the excessive self-doubt. That's what brought me back to MDJ to volunteer my time and effort as group leader of AVPD.

So, my message to you all is that you can have the life you want. It takes effort and motivation. It really is about choosing your path. Overcoming these obstacles, (most of which are in our heads), is one worthwhile journey. I'm glad I chose this route but, realize its not for everyone. I'm here to encourage you all to take hold of your lives, whatever you choose. If you choose to live within the confines of this disorder, that's your choice, learn to love it, embrace it, make it happy! If you choose to break free of it, I'm here for the time being to encourage you and support your efforts! Either way, I hope you all will share with the rest of us where you're at and what your goals and experiences are and any advice you may have. Look forward to hearing from each and every one of you, Sharone