Avoidance

[depressedorpaininthearse]

Hi, would appreciate some advice if you know anything about mental health.
If you find yourself avoiding things - by that I mean situations in life or indeed people - and you find you’re doing it more and more often, is it a sign of anxiety, or depression, or a personality disorder, or both/all of those things?
For example today I drove a ten mile round trip so that I could avoid going to the shop that is 5 minutes walk from where I live.
Are there any techniques I should employ to stop doing it? Or whAt kind of therapy or counselling should I be trying to get?
Thank you for your input. I’ve been here a good few years but have name changed for this.
Sorry it’s so dull and boring.

.. bah! I should have posted this on the Mental Health board shouldn’t I? How do I get it moved, anyone know?

Just bumping for myself because it’s a bit busier at this time of day.
I realise this is an extremely boring and probably self-absorbed thread. But I’m having difficulty with anxiety generally and just wondering if I should give myself a stern talking to, or whether avoidance is a legitimate response to stress, or perceived stress.
Avoiding opening the post is causing me real practical problems. That sounds no let’s written down. Would really appreciate any input.

The post thing is very common apparently. Do you have any symptoms of depression? If anxiety is affecting how you live then you should seek help.

Regarding the anxiety as soon as I’ve pressed the ‘post’ button (on the mobile site) my heartbeat goes into over-drive and I become really fearful that people will know who I am, and all of my personal business will be over the internet, and that people I know in rl will be talking about me, etc.
Is this drip-feeding? Giving small amounts of information at a time?

Thank you Wolfe. I’m relieved to hear that it’s it uncommon (to avoid opening the post). Recently a speeding fine - which I could have dealt with by going on a speed awareness course, has ended up in court.
Do you mind d me asking if you suffer from either?
If you have, what has helped you? I have tried to get help.

Yep. Anxiety and depression. Had CBT. Still taking Prozac and the combination has been life changing for me.