Recognizing that you're not satisfied with this is a big decision, and while it's not what most 17-year-olds do finding the strength to pull through is an immense accomplishment that can have as much of an imprint on you as your childhood itself.

It's also young enough to learn, because your brain and personality are far from finished developing. I think the consensus these days is that your brain isn't fully developed until your mid-20's, but even after that age people are pursuing career changes, new relationships, returning to school, and other things.

You don't need a big, overnight change. Just consistent choices to do something differently.

I was pretty scared of people in my teens. In my 20's I no longer am, although I still need to clean up some of the bad choices I made.