by Iced » Sun Nov 04, 2007 10:34 pm
Firstly suicide isn't the answer, it never is. If you're feeling suicidal then please seek help from a suicidal help line.
Collage is tough for many people, but people suffering from AvPD have a harder time dealing with it. When I first started college this September, I felt much like you. I hated it and wanted to drop out. Recently I got over that, I'm not there to make friends (Although it would be nice too). My main reason is to learn more about things, I'm not going to let AvPD take that much control over me.
To deal with AvPD your going to have to try and take yourself out of your comfort zone. But this is very difficult simply for the fact AvPD's avoid social interactions. Do you work? I found having a job really helped me break some barriers. I worked in a store that had 300 people entering every 30 minutes on weekends. And helping customers out in finding things really helped me out not get anxious when around strangers. In school do you talk to people? Start small talk conversations, such as "Did we have any homework" or "Did you do the homework" even "Did you study for the test" school related matters. Small things like these really do help. I was sitting beside a guy for 3 classes who I didn't say a word too. Then I decided to ask him what school he came from, and oddly enough I worked with his friend. It was awkward to talk to him at first, but well worth it in the end.
Presentations can be dreadful, I hate them, but a lot of people do, even non-AvPD's. But remember people have a short attention span, people in school just stop paying attention after a few presentations. They simply want to have the presentations over with so they can go home. Students won't be there to note all your mistakes, so don't let that make you anxious. If you are still anxious about your presentation, add a few jokes. Humor is always a great tool in anxious situations.