How old were you when AvPD developed?

PhillyFlyersGrl

PhillyFlyersGrl

1
Okay, what Ive read about Avpd it seems people have it from childhood. I have not. Its just recently for me become full blown and Im 29yrs. Is it possible to develop this from circumstances? I think certain things over the past 10yrs that have happened led me up to this point. Like say 6yrs ago this wasnt as bad, I could go to resturants with no problem, talk to people here and there with no problem..but I did avoid certain things if unpleasant..and I don't know if it just became a bad habit from that or what.
Me getting a full time job working with more people blew it out of the water. Before I used to do cleaning and either worked by myself, or worked with maybe a few others and it was part time, I didnt have any problems then.
So how old were you guys when you developed this and what triggered it?
 
lurknomore

lurknomore

1
From what I've read, AvPD is not usually diagnosed at least until you're an adult, or in your upper teenage years- I can't remember specifically why, but it think it has something to do with it having to be pervasive or persistent beyond your formative years. As a child/teen, it would probably just be labeled shyness or social phobia. I'm not sure when I was "officially" AvPD, but I think it was pretty early in my adulthood. And I'm certain it can develop after you become an adult as well, it doesn't have to "always" have been there.
 
lithium

lithium

Well-known member
I've had this anxiety for most of my life. It wasn't as bad when I was younger. Somehow, it gradually increased through out school. I remember 7th-8th grade was when the **** hit the fan; it wasn't a very pleasant time. High school was hell as well, and now I'm alright, to some extent.
 
dooby-duck

dooby-duck

Well-known member
Well, I'm 30 now. I'd say I've been shy forever, became social phobic between leaving high school to university, then slowly became avoidant after leaving uni.
 
kittypants

kittypants

Member
i have a memory of kindergarten. all the girls were playing together and i was off by myself. another child said something to me about it and i realized that i was different than the other kids. all this time now and i still don't know how to approach or mingle with others.
various life experiences have made the pain of it worse and sometimes better along the way.
 
DarkSeeker

DarkSeeker

Well-known member
I only have a couple of symptoms of avpd, but any social problems started at around 5 years old and probably before (stupid retarded queer molesting mother and grand mother, and cold heartless father)

But it didn't start to get out of hand until I was moved to a boy only catholic private school with uniform and the mean old ladies and all the crap.

Then I had an anti-social bump at the age of 12 (was hooked up by a psychopath who almost killed me), and finally forgot how to speak my "first language" and never talk to anyone ever again. Until now that is.

As I said I only have a couple of symptoms of avpd the main one that I avoid talking to people all the time. My confidence level is in constant fluctuation. I'd say the only real confidence or feeling of being likable I ever had came from my narcissistic side, but I only get that when I'm alone.
 
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L

Lenna C

Member
I was shy as a child, but the problem arises in high school. Then I went to the psychologist who thought my problem was just part of an adolescent crisis. At the age of 22 I have been diagnosed with generalised social phobia, and recently, after 33 years of low quality life, with AvPD. I mostly can manage my work and fulfill my daily tasks and responsibilities now, but I'm still almost incapable for close relationships, I'm avoiding people and social situations all the time.
Beside biological disposition, there was too much protective, patronizing attitude of my parents because I suffered from heart defect as a child, so I've begun to think of myself as defective and worthless person who was not capable to manage life.
It was not any particular event, I think it was comparison and competition with peers, beginning well known race for success and social positions in high school was too much for me.
I think most part of my present social anxiety is fear of competition and being competed, even in intimate relationships I see others as much more capable, ambitious and agressive and if I get involved in relationships I will be hurt easily.
 
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Anonymoose

Guest
I haven't been offically diagnosed, but I've been the way I am now for as long as I can remember.
 
F

FindingSecrets

Guest
lyricalliaisons said:
I've been this way since I was a toddler, according to my mother.
Click to expand...

Me too. My mother tells me I used to completely flip out when someone teased me, even if they were joking. I could not stand even the tiniest amount of criticism - it horrified me.
 
Flowers-Of-Bloom

Flowers-Of-Bloom

Well-known member
I've had full-blown SA since I was about 11/12, but my avoidant tendencies started showing when I was about 14. I think it's almost reached its full capacity now that I'm nearly 18.
It's horrible. I really don't want to be like this for the rest of my 'life.'
 
sarah78

sarah78

New member
I am new here. I have been this way since I can remember..My mom is the same too, so I guess it is genetic and it sucks.
 
X

xxaimsxx

Well-known member
When i was younger i was never afraid of people of places or crowds like i am now but i was quite shy when i was about 8/9 i think. I just remember people saying to me 'are you okay?' and 'why are you quiet?' but i grew out of it and at the time i never thought i was that quiet. But i did grow out of it because my best friend was so confident an it rubbed off on me till i was about 14/15. Then i started to get bullied in highschool verbally all the time and it was too much for me. :mad:: :(: I just started to believe them an my confidence dissapeared!
Im now trying to rebuild things..
 
skygazer

skygazer

Member
I was shy and self absorbed since early childhood.. my elder sis says i liked to play alone with my things.. also i stammered a lot and had a severe ear infection when i was around 9 y/o.
 
mummylala

mummylala

Well-known member
i was 19 when it all started, i was raped by someone i knew, i tried dealing with it all and thought i was doing fine..

Then a few years after i was getting hassel from this guys family and it all got worse again :(
 
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