avoidant personality disorder

[wotonito]

I'm 14, the past 2 years i have had all symptoms of Avoidant Personality Disorder, it is causing me to miss school, I havent gone since the symptoms appeared. I have also had sleeping problems, making it even harder to go to school, if I manage too think "im going to go tomorrow", I have another obstacle, waking up. When I was going to school, (I completely stopped 8 months ago, ive only gone about 2-3 months worth over 2 years) I would be frightened of being embarressed, I constantly viewed my actions and the actions of others to make sure I wasnt doing anything wrong and too make sure others didnt pay attention to me. One time at school I had to do a presentation, with just me and another person, when I was in front of the class all sorts of paranoid 'are they judging me' ect thoughts messed with me and I was all jittery, everyone noticed I was acting wierd and that only made it worse, when I got back to my desk I shoved my head in my backpack, only drawing even more attention. What should I do for my anxiety? I dont approve of therapy as it makes me feel like im being brainwashed and I usualy grow to hate the therapist... (I went to a therapist when I was 10 for depression, it didnt work and he said he couldnt help me) I am aware that you are unable to be diagnosed a personality disorder at age 14, but since my symptoms have been here for 2 years I obviously have it. My mother will take me to a psychiatrist soon but I dont know when. Rather than having a teacher come to my house I would rather just take medication, but am I able to take medication at this age? If I am able to take medication which have side effects that may cause headaches, whenever I get a headache it develops into a migraine, so I might end up refusing to take it.

[suzeq3014]

First of all I have to say it is hard for a young person to grow up -under normal circumstances. You have added difficulties. Communication is an important thing. Talk to anyone who will listen. its very important that you do this. Have your Mom find a good counselor to talk with and dont give up until you find one you are comfortable with. You dont have to share to much until you feel comfortable with them and dont be afraid to tell them your deepest thoughts. for there is nothing that that havent heard, and no matter what you feel or think, others have felt the same. The earlier you get help the earlier and easier you will be able to get over your issues and move on to lead the healthy life your deserve. If you get on any anti-depressants be very aware of any negative mood changes, and let someone be aware of this. Maybe you can find a Dr. that willing to go the natural route in prescribing meds.  The most important thing , is talk your feelings out. After awhile , they will lose their power over you. If you dont have anybody to talk to in a certain moment, Id encourage you yo get yourself a notebook, in which you can write your feelings down. This is an important tool for recovery, and if you can do it daily it will help with the chatter you may have in your head.  Best of luck to you.

[snoozies43]

grr at the Therapist that said they could not help you. Yes you can take medicine at 14.

glad your mother is there to help you. Just try too keep  any medicine at a low dose. This sounds like anxiety to me. I say low dose only so you can learn coping skills without alot of medicine. however do follow your doctors advice, and don't be affraid to be on them about anything you feel. The doctor should be comforting, as well as a good listener.

I would ask for a non addictive anxiety med..such as buspar. read the side effects, you will have then for a short while. if you can take advil or tylenol for the headaches.

This is normal and very safe way to treat headaches.

I am not a doctor...so please speak to them honestly and openly.
best to you