[Ryan358]

The most I do in a day is get up to eat or use the restroom. Doing anything is a big deal for me... even watching TV is an accomplishment, because usually I just lay on the floor stuck in my thoughts and i just roll around on the floor for the rest of the day. I'm 17 (should be the most exciting time of my life), and I don't go to school (never have). I don't have any social contact either (haven't talked to someone else my age in over a year). SO basically my social skills have become so useless, I can't even talk to myself anymore. My mind is just blank, basically.

I don't know what to do. I can't seem to get up to do anything, even something lazy like watching a movie. And it's been like this for a long time (been the worst this past year). I'm also scared of other people.

I also want to know if it's too late for me to ever live a normal life. I have absolutely zero social skills, and I know childhood is the time that you develop all that... so is it too late now that i'm almost an adult? Will I ever be normal? Because i know childhood seems to have a lasting imprint on peopoel

[einsam]

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.

[jaynedough]

Hi Ryan358,
Welcome to PC. Sorry you're feeling so stuck. Einsam post is great and very apropos. I don't really have much to add, except:

When you're on the floor, can you sit up and do something physical? I used to toss a ball overheard from one hand to the other. At one time, that was the only exercise I got.

If you are home schooled, can you look into social groups with other home schooled kids?

Are you seeing a T or PDoc? It sounds like you would benefit from having a professional assess you. Actually, you could start with your primary physician, who can rule out a physiological reason for your malaise.