Avoidant Personality Disorder is a cognitive behaviour characterized by social discomfort and pulling away from interpersonal contact. Most of these people may have a hard time maintaining relationships in day-to-day life.
Who Should we blame?
In the olden age, escapism from social interactions or being avoidant was never the order of the day, especially for communities that embraced collectiveness. Fast-forward the presence of social media became massive and as a result most people were acclimatized to online interactions such as video calls, texting and Zoom meetings. What we called the pool of social interaction gradually turned to social inhibition all in one click. Without doubt, the olden days were indeed golden, but do we entirely blame this on social media? After all, it came and made things easier.
Some say society could be the menace, it goes without saying the same society that asks you to embrace your true self is the same that will judge you for it. Society often places stigma especially on issues related to mental health; and it’s with the same reason men find it hard opening up, instead they dissolve their feelings in enclosed spaces without the knowledge of anyone, not even their close counterparts.
Are There Facts or Findings to Term it as a Disorder
Avoidant Personality Disorder thanks to the sporadic patterns of behaviour observed in clinical patients who displayed feelings of fear towards social criticism, rejection, or feelings of inadequacy.
Through distinct research and observations, this trait was labelled as Avoidant Personality Disorder thanks to the sporadic patterns of behaviour observed in clinical patients who displayed feelings of fear towards social criticism, rejection, or feelings of inadequacy. With more time research was done and according to the different findings it’s stated that AVPD is attributed to genetic, biological or even environmental factors.
The syndrome can be spotted in children or even adolescents, however it cannot be termed as a syndrome yet since most kids do possess traits such as social awkwardness, shyness or sometimes fear of strangers.
One of the mistakes people do make is generally placing this syndrome in the cluster of social phobias, however that is not entirety the case since most of these victims not only struggle with social circles; but self-image and self-acceptance which is an issue that is critical to them.
Why is it considered a Mental Issue?
The reason AVPD is considered a cognitive problem is that the victims internally believe they are not worth the dime and in despair most of them withdraw from social pools. If not well tended to, one is most likely to suffer from stress or even depression. According to the findings from the National Institute of Mental health (NIMH), they believe that two thirds of people with personality disorders suffer from an extra mental condition and the same persons are prone to suicide.
The reason AVPD is considered a cognitive problem is that the victims internally believe they are not worth the dime and in despair most of them withdraw from social pools.
How to tend to the Mental Issue
We all know that anything mental deserves professional attention, and it’s with the same reason victims are advised to seek therapy sessions, especially Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT); which involves identifying the roots of social anxiety patterns and figuring out a solution for the same. Another coping mechanism is exposure therapy, which happens to be one of the hardest forms that involves exposure to the anxiety source with the intention of overcoming it.
Through the following ways, victims can come out of this with victory.
- Schema therapy
- Psychodynamic therapy
- supportive therapy.
- Acceptance and commitment therapy.
- Emotion-focused therapy.
- Metacognitive interpersonal therapy.
Apparently, there is no possible cure for the disorder, however with the right form of attention and care one might overcome it with time. Realizing that you weren’t born broken, insecure or inadequate is key, remember you are just a victim of your surroundings and no one should shame you for that.
Informative 🔥
Thanks Keya