Why am I becoming so antisocial?

[NE]

Hi there, Brianna

I'm so sorry to hear about what's been bothering you! You may not see this now, but you are so brave and strong for deciding not to end your life or harm yourself over this confusing phase in your life. Although things may seem rough right now, with time they will get better and your trouble will soon have made you stronger and wiser.

First things first, DO NOT feel stupid because you have been struggling with your grades. There could even be a chance that you are only having trouble with your grades because you're mind isn't really focused on them. Even so, just because you aren't a genius academically doesn't mean you aren't a genius at anything else. Einstein even said himself, "Everybody is a Genius. But If You Judge a Fish by Its Ability to Climb a Tree, It Will Live Its Whole Life Believing that It is Stupid." This was said by an intelligent man who, at a child, was called retarded by his teachers because he had speech problems. With that being said, don't underestimate yourself! I'm pretty sure theres at least one thing you are good at of have a passion to do. It could be reading, painting, make-up artistry, sewing, poker, juggling, baking, fishing, archery, protesting, dancing, modeling, scrap-booking, collecting things, putting outfits together, making bead jewelry, snorkeling, gardening, photography, charity work, modeling, singing, vase making, burping, acting--anything!! You seem to be pretty articulate at typing so maybe you can get into freelance writing! The key to feeling better about yourself is to do something you love to do, even if you aren't the best at it. If you still don't have anything in mind than perhaps you should start trying new hobbies until you find one!

When it comes to your friends, you may be feeling negatively towards them due to your negative feelings inside, not because you actually dislike them. Try not to be so hard on them OR yourself, it's nobody's fault here. What you feel right now is common, especially among teenagers, and its okay. Everyone is entitled to the way they feel, it doesn't change who they have the potential to be as a person. Try not to pull away from your besties too much though. Everyone needs someone to confide in or at least to have some support. Stay in control of your life and keep in touch with the people you care about. Think and behave positively. Try to have more fun with your friends if you can!

To get yourself out of the negative bubble you're in, you have to form gradual productive habits and with time things will get better.

Try doing each of these everyday for a month:
1. Accomplish: Get something done. Achieve a goal. Change your hair color, get a piercing, clean your room, do a kind deed for someone, get a good grade, work out, do a chore, accomplish a short term goal you've set. Doing this will make you feel more worthy! (which you are btw, even if you tell yourself otherwise)
2. Don't avoid! You're stuck in your bubble, in your comfort zone. Do something to push yourself out of your bubble to show yourself it's okay to push yourself to the limit. Say hi to a stranger, raise your hand in class, smile, start a conversation with someone at the store, compliment someone on something you like about them. Do it!!! Do something you normally wouldn't do every day even if you look or are scared. Soon your fear will seem much less.
3. Pleasure: like I said before, do something you enjoy. Do anything that puts a smile on your face or makes you laugh or feel good. It could be funny videos, a hobby, a pet, family, friends, a movie ANYTHING. Enjoy yourself at least once a day. 15 minutes is all you need!

Do these for a month and gradually your spirits will get higher.

Another way to help is to learn yoga and meditation. Most people start doing this in their twenties as it eases the mind but why not get a head start??

To help out with your shyness, I STRONGLY recommend joining the drama club or taking up acting. This is beneficial to you for three reasons: 1. You will meet new friends 2. You will learn to put on a brave face and break out of your shell as many drama kids become very confident and 3. You might like it!!!

I don't recommend taking medicine, but I do thing taking natural supplements to help improve your mood might be a small help. You can try out "mood booster", which you can research and buy on Amazon.com.

Remember this time in your life may be hard but it's natural and will come to pass. You will be okay, and telling yourself this will make things so much easier for you.

Try adapting a more positive and relaxed point of view, even though your current beliefs have been becoming negative. With time your mind will get use to thinking positively again. Speak only good about yourself, say one nice thing to yourself everyday and smile at your reflection. Try to smile more period

Think positive and the rest of your life will get better!

Also I recommend letting your emotions out in a healthy way. Emotions are meant to come and pass, but when they are not aloud to be expressed they become held in and they remain there inside of you instead of passing. These emotions come out in uglier ways such as anger and sadness. So to let your emotions go, express them! If you have no one to talk to, write them in a private journal. Other ways in expressing yourself is through drawing, writing or any creative hobby. Or you could scream as loud as you can into your pillow or punch the crap out of it. If you're not feeling that, which you should at least try!...then you could try locking your bedroom door, blasting your favorite song and dancing around the room like a madman for at least 5 minutes until you have no energy left. Once you do these things you will feel a sense of freedom from your emotions, and you will feel better.

Any more questions on learning positivity and changing depression? Just google or go to a library and educated yourself!

You are worthy, important, beautiful inside and out, and unique! Tell yourself that even if you don't believe it!

Good luck gorgeous!!! <333333