Hello.

Well, I'm sure you have all heard this before, but I'll say it anyways. I need help. I know I have this disorder and to be blunt, it's ruining my life. I'm almost 18 years old, a senior in high school, I do pretty well in school, I'm accepted into a few good nationally recognized universities, and well.. I look good on paper.

However in my day to day life, It's just hard. I hate to sound like I have a hard life, I don't. My parents work hard to send me to a expensive prestigious private school in the south, and I'm very grateful. I just have never been able to make friends and keep them as friends, like most other people my age. Until recently I tried blaming it on the people themselves. I thought these people, which going to a small private school everyone knows everyone, were the ones who were odd.

It wasn't until recently after finding out about this disorder, that I thought it may be me with the problem, instead of the people from school. This came to its peak last night. Last night was homecoming and I had to go, I mean it's my senior year. So I went to the game and thought I'd try and hang out and have dinner with a few friends before the game. I never got called back so I showed up to the game alone. Once my "friends" arrived, I tried to go over and sit with them. Throughout the game, my "friends" began to make rude comments to me and ignore me.

I just really don't know what to do. I have no one to confide in, no one who cares enough to listen to me. For all I know, I'm shutting them out, but I feel like it's them who is doing it to me. I just don't know what to think anymore, and this is driving me crazy.

I won't let this disorder ruin my life. Please help.


-Kevin

sounds more like shyness and lack of social skills, often partly the parents fault who are also shy and therefore cant teach social skills to you
books on overcoming shyness should help
also relax and dont try so hard whan socialising, if very nervous some valium helps
also helps to join a gym and join several clubs and groups

Hi, I'm somewhat in the same boat as youself and can relate to some of the things you are saying. Like you I'm a senior in highschool and my academic record is excellent. Unfortunately I am teribly lacking in the social skills area. I have struggled my entire life trying to "fit in".

I do have a question for you if you don't mind. Is it the actual fear of not being liked that keeps you from socializing or is it something else? For me it is the fear of not being liked or of my meanings when I talk being misunderstood. This actually keeps me from socializing at all. So look on the bright side at least you tried to go to your homecoming game. As for me the thought of going to my school's homecoming or any school function for that matter makes my stomache churn.

As for what to do. I can't tell you if you have a disorder or even what you should do. However, my suggestion to you would be to see a therapist. It's what I did and I think that it is helping me to cope with who I am. Anyway hope this helped a little bit and welcome to the forum.