Conserned Newcomer

Hi All,

I found this forum online whilst trying to seek out more information on APD. Over the last few years i have noticed myself changing, and it wasn't until recently when confronted by some close friends, that i have started to realise that APD could be what i'm dealing with.

I am typically, or was typically a out going social person, but over the last 3-4 years my personality has canged completely. I wouldn't say i'm afraid of leaving the house, but i do suffer anxiety, mainly in very social situations.

I'm a 20 year old student, studying at a UK University, and as you know "going out" manily to large clubs is a regular occurance, but i can safely say that i am petrified of going to these and i will do almost anything to get out of the situation, involving faigning illness. I am also scared of telephone calls from certain people, and now, meeting new people. I would say that i am mainly scared of Judgements from people, and also people in large crowds of people i don't know. I also feel alienated from those around me, i have low self esteem, and i find it evry hard to trust those who i do not know well.

I have a very close group of friends (3 close friends) and i am in a steady relationship with my boyfriend (of 3 years). I find no problems being in situations with these people, but not out in "the world."

Anyway, as you can tell from this jumble of paragraphs, i'm very confused and worried at the moment. I'm also feeling particualrly alone, being away from my boyfriend and not seeing him regularly due to commitments, my routine is all out of whack!

So, please comment if you feel that i am heading in the right direction with APD, because i would like to go to my local GP about this, but she has a history of being dismissive. Puuh!

Thanks for reading this!

Hey Nixxy. Welcome to the forum.
I want to ask you a question first. What feedback would you find most satisfying: that, yes, it looks like you have apd/social anxiety or that there is nothing wrong with you, you're just like any other young adult unsure of oneself?
Sorry, this might be a little weird but i would really like to know.

It sounds like avp, but not 100%. You may have other social phobias. A person with avp rarely gets bothered by large groups of crowds, like walking through a mall for example.

Welcome to the forums, Nixxy!
Since you are at university, might i suggest you check out its counseling department?
There you might learn some behavioral and cognitive skills for handling the traps that APD can involve.
A *supportive* GP might be night, but not a dismissive one. Besides, hopefully you can avoid (no pun intended) making this a *medical* issue (i.e., medicating your anxiety, etc) - and going directly toward a insight/skills recovery.

Best of luck. Please keep us posted how you're doing.
—LQ

It definitely sounds like you have some type of social phobia. I would suggest that first you try to get a referal for some cognitave behavioral therapy. This may take some time though. I was in another group where people from the UK would complain about how hard it is to get help. Best of luck to you. And don't be afraid to post here.