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Warning-sign checks

Avoidant personality disorder: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency help if there are thoughts of suicide with intent or a plan, an inability to stay safe, a serious overdose, or an immediate risk of harm.

    Contact local emergency services or a crisis service and remain with a trusted person if possible.

    In the United States and Canada, call or text 988 for crisis support.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact a clinician promptly if depression or anxiety is worsening, substance use is increasing, treatment side effects are concerning, or avoidance is making it difficult to meet basic needs.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up allows the person and clinician to review goals, symptoms, functioning, treatment barriers, and any medication effects.

    Improvement may be gradual and uneven.

    A difficult social experience or missed appointment does not mean that treatment has failed.

    It can help to track specific changes, such as attending appointments, responding to messages, completing a planned social step, or recovering more quickly after criticism.

    These measures may show progress even when anxiety is still present.

    An earlier appointment may also be appropriate if the person is withdrawing from nearly all contact or can no longer manage work, school, or essential responsibilities.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Avoidant personality disorder. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.