Hello Zachary33: The Skeezyks recalls replying to your introductory post. I was encouraged to read here you've started group therapy. I don't know as I have any particular tips for you with regard to that except that it can take some time to get comfortable. So do give it time. I never thought group therapy would be something I would like. But the one time I did do it, I actually found that I enjoyed it & benefited from it.

I know that, in your previous post, you wrote your dad thinks you're lazy. And now you've been "told-off" by your friend who says you call too much. It sounds as though you're being pretty-much inundated with negative attitudes from everyone around you... your dad, your friend. It's awfully difficult to feel at all positive about yourself when everyone around you is telling you you're a loser & you're screwing up. Unfortunately I don't know as I have any particularly great suggestions for you as to how to surmount this. Widening your circle of friends would certainly be one thing that might be worthwhile if you could do it. But I know that can be easier said than done. Becoming involved in some youth-oriented volunteer activities in your community might also be a way of improving your self-image. Being of help to others is generally considered to be a good depression antidote.

You mentioned, in your previous post, you're in your last year of high school. But you don't know if you're going to graduate. Whatever the reason for that, I think it's really important you hang in there. The best way to counter all of those negative vibes you're being swamped with is to succeed in the face of others' put-downs. Show 'em what they think just doesn't matter! I don't know what you are thinking about for after you graduate. But that is the other thing to take into consideration here. If you can, try to refocus your attention on where you're going in the future. At 17, you have the potential for so many wonderful years ahead of you. That's where you need to be focusing your attention. And if there is simply no one around you, in real life, who will support you, then come here to PC to get the support you need.