Why can't I talk to people?

[dan]

So I'm 14( 15 in a week!:o) and I have issues when it comes to speaking with people. For example in certain classes I will not talk and with people who I do talk with frequently sometimes I can't talk to them, I will panic and leave for a while and return to say I have to go.

Recently this has not only been happening in person but also on social media like Facebook + Skype, I want to know why it is I struggle with this and how to over come it.

[Abuelito]

You are shy. Many people deal with shyness.Working with a therapist can be very beneficial.You might start by speaking with a school counselor. Good luck to you.

[P A T S I E PEPS]

You are basically a shy person. An introvert. Nothing wrong with that! That's just the way you are!
Self analysis will help you! Remember, you must always work hard at being social and friendly as this will not come easy to you! The more you practise at being friendly, the easier it will become! There is a name to what you are experiencing. It is called "social anxiety", or sometimes called "social phobia"....If I were you, Id buy some self help books on this subject! There was a good paperback called "Feel the fear and do it!", I don't know if it is still available, anyway, I would go and visit your gp [doctor], and explain your feelings and anxiety. You will probably be referred to a councellor! Make sure you tell your councellor absaloutley EVERYTHING that you feel! They will then be able to help you properly! .,

[Mook]

This is normal for someone of your age, you are just growing up and these are normal teenage feelings about fitting in with the rest of your group. You worry what you look like to other people and what is considered normal and if you match up to the other kids. You are becoming an adult, and these issues are starting to concern you. If you have a great deal of anxiety, then don't push yourself. It's better to have very light relationships with others than to get heavily involved and end up getting hurt or embarrassed. I think you know this which is why you are feeling anxious about talking to people. Try just saying very little, and then nothing which will get you into trouble. Just make friendly, closed statements to people which don't require answers. This way you can speak to people without stressing yourself out by forcing them to engage with you. Don't be judgemental, and try and stay neutral in your views. Be polite. Sooner or later you will have a regular group of friends. Don't feel the need to try and fit in, and do not post stuff on social media unless you are really happy with it. You can put something up, but nothing that will cause you problems. It is always better to keep a low profile unless you are the type of person who can cope with a lot of critical attention from people you might not like. The thing is to communicate, but not in a way that causes issues for you which will stress you out.