AvPD

I don't have AVPD, but I know some people who do.  It is indeed scary to get a diagnosis like that, but I'm glad it helped you out.  It's not easy to hear that you have a mental illness, but now you know why you behave the way you do and what steps you can take.  How old were you when you were diagnosed, and what steps are you taking now?
If you need resources, have you checked out Out of the FOG?  It's a really good website with a lot of great things.  Here's their AVPD page: http://outofthefog.website/personality-disorders-1/2015/12/6/avoidant-personality-disorder-avpd

Being mentally ill isn't a bad word. Your brain like mine just works differently from others . Our brains seem to see the world in a different view . The world is a scary place to me. I can't be in a store , a car and it's a miracle that I can hold a job down. Maybe it's because I'm 10 minutes away from the nearest hospital that helps alot I suppose. . And please call that therapist. I understand how you feel. I've been a sufferer for 15 years. I made that call 1 year ago. It's the best decision i've ever made in my life. Pick up that phone . You've got to do this for yourself. You will learn more about your mental illness and learn how to cope with it and maybe they will prescribe some helpful medications. Believe me you will not regret it. Sure, it will take some time to get used to it. But, you will be glad that you made that call. I am.