[lilacwine3124]

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.

[regretful]

Welcome...you've got your whole life ahead of you. If you're feeling overwhelmed, then pick something that you can do without. Sometimes people make too many commitments. Stopping one or two of them at this point in your life might not be such a bad idea. A few years ago I was in a business group that caused me nothing but distress. I stuck with it for too long. When I bowed out, it was like 16 tons were lifted off of my shoulders. At 16 you have time to consider these things...and enjoy high school. It goes by too fast. Ask just about anyone who is beyond those years - at least me, I think it would be great to be able to go back. HOpe that you can become less lost.