Hi lookingforsunshine. If you quit school for a while, you run the risk of becoming more socially isolated, that almost always makes you feel worse.You might think it will do you good, but know that I also might make you feel worse. So just be careful.

I know what you mean when you talk about mental issues with your friends. Most people don't like to talk about it; it's too personal, threatening, unfamiliar, etc.

A better idea is to find a good therapist and talk to him/her about the things that are bothering you. Here you can find one in your area: http://www.goodtherapy.org/find-therapist.html

What worked for me to manage my depression better was reading self-help books. Have you ever tried this? Here are some ideas: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss...epression+work

Another thing that can help you feel a bit better is doing exercise 3 times a week. This way you'll have something to focus on, and it makes you feel better on the inside (a little usually), and besides, if you become more fit you'll feel better and more confident. Doing exercise helped me quite a bit.

I think the best step you can take is finding a good, qualified, skilled therapist, that can help you out with anxiety and depression. Medications sometimes work for depression/anxiety, but sometimes they don't, or don't work enough. If that's the case you should consider other options such as: therapy, self-help, and doing exercise. (Doing them together btw usually works better, if you have the energy at the moment).

Well take care.