ANXIOUS PERSONALITY DISORDERS
🧊 Anxious Personality Disorders – Cluster C
These conditions are all about anxiety — but not just everyday nerves. People with Cluster C personality disorders often live with deep fears of rejection, criticism, or losing control. These patterns usually begin in early adulthood and show up in many areas of life, especially in relationships, work, and how people see themselves.
Let's explore what these can look like 👇
😳 Avoidant Personality Disorder (AvPD)
This disorder revolves around extreme social anxiety and fear of rejection. People with AvPD want connection but often avoid it because they're convinced they'll be judged, rejected, or humiliated.
😬 Avoids social situations — especially at work — to dodge criticism
🤝 Hesitant to get close to people unless absolutely sure they'll be accepted
💔 Shyness in relationships due to fear of being shamed or ridiculed
👀 Overly focused on what others might think or say
🚫 Holds back in new situations out of intense self-doubt
😞 Feels "less than" — socially awkward, unattractive, or inferior
🧍♂️ Avoids risks or trying new things to prevent embarrassment
This isn't just being introverted — it's living with the fear that you're never good enough. But with support, that wall of fear can start to come down 🫶
🧷 Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD)
People with DPD struggle with feeling helpless or unsure of themselves. They may rely heavily on others to make decisions or feel safe — and that fear of being left alone can feel overwhelming.
🧭 Needs constant reassurance to make even everyday choices
🛠️ Leans on others to take charge of major parts of life
🤐 Struggles to say "no" or disagree, afraid they'll lose support
🚫 Finds it hard to start things alone due to low confidence
🙇♂️ Will go out of their way — even doing unpleasant things — to keep others close
😟 Feels panicked or helpless when alone
🔄 Quickly finds a new relationship when one ends
😰 Constantly worries about being left to cope alone
This isn't "clinginess" — it's a deep-rooted fear of abandonment. But with the right help, people with DPD can build confidence and independence 💪
🧼 Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)
This one's all about control — needing things to be perfect, orderly, and "just right." People with OCPD often have high standards and a strong work ethic, but that can come at the cost of flexibility, relationships, and even their own wellbeing.
📋 Obsessed with rules, lists, or schedules — to the point of missing the bigger picture
🏁 Struggles to finish tasks because perfection feels out of reach
💼 Prioritises work and productivity over friendships or fun
⚖️ Rigid about morals or values — even when it causes tension
🧺 Can't throw away worn-out things, even if they're useless
🙅 Won't delegate tasks unless others do it exactly their way
💰 Stingy with money — always saving "just in case"
🧱 Comes across as stubborn, rigid, or hard to please
OCPD can bring structure and drive — but when things get too rigid, it can start to hurt. Therapy and support can help loosen that grip and create space for balance 🧘
⚠️ OCPD is not the same as OCD.
People with OCD usually know their behaviours are irrational and want to change them. People with OCPD often believe their way is the "right" way and may not see a problem.
💬 🫶 If any of these sound familiar, you're not broken — and you're not alone. These patterns can feel heavy, but with the right support, healing is possible. Everyone deserves to feel safe, capable, and cared for
Contact Us if you would like more information about any of the above, or are interested in dropping in to one of our weekly peer support sessions.
If you are struggling, please check out our Help & Support page for signposting to appropriate services.
📌 Other or Unspecified Personality Disorders
Sometimes, a person may experience ongoing personality struggles that don't quite fit into the usual categories. That's where "Personality Disorder Not Otherwise Specified" (PD-NOS) comes in.
🧩 You might not meet the full criteria for one specific disorder, but still feel distressed or held back by certain patterns
🧠 Your experience may fit a type that's not officially recognised in diagnostic manuals (like Depressive or Passive-Aggressive Personality Disorder)
No matter the label — your experience is valid. If your patterns are making life harder, support is available. You don't have to meet every checkbox to deserve help 💛