I'm 16 and I've been depressed for a while. I wouldn't consider myself suicidal, but I don't want to live my life. I am a very quiet and introverted people. I only have a few close friends, and I usually don't want to be around them. But there are times when I really want to be one of those social people who goes to parties and hangs out with friends all day and goes to football games on Friday nights. But whenever I try to do something like that, I get nervous or irritated and end up having a terrible time.

Things have gotten really busy for me in the last few weeks. I got a job, I'm starting a few college classes next week, and I'm a captain on my dance team. Although these things are really exciting, I just feel completely overwhelmed. Last year I was a complete mess, and I really want to make this year better. I've made a lot of commitments though, so I don't want to quit any of these things. I'm just afraid I will totally shut down this year. Maybe I want to, I don't know.

I believe I have a bright future. I just want to skip the rest of high school and get to college and beyond. Everything just seems so pointless right now. I really want to travel somewhere and get a new perspective. I just feel so lost right now, and I don't think staying in my small town is doing anything to help me.

Anybody else have these feelings? Please respond with any thoughts, I feel completely lost right now.