[CherryBerry9339]

Hey,
The title of this probably doesn't do too well of explaining what exactly I have going on.

Since I was little, I've always had problems with getting along with people my own age. Even now, I still rarely get along with people my own age, which sucks especially since I'm in high school. I've always gotten along with people many years older than myself. When I was five, I would spend time with mostly people at least twice my age. Now in high school the only people I talk to, and enjoy spending time with are adults. Two of the teachers at my school are like family, and I can talk to them about anything and feel comfortable and fulfilled. We can have conversations about our lives and passions, which I guess is what I need. The counselor said I could stop by whenever to have conversations with her, since we have a lot of interests in common (politics, philosophy, psychology, etc.) One of the front desk workers often talks to me, and even the principal seemingly gets along well with me. I even had a conversation with the principal about this the other day, and she said my personality and mentality isn't really meant for high school, but I'm much better suited for college/university. People always tell me I'm incredibly mature, and are often amazed by how 'profound' I am.

However, I also have a general dislike of people which makes this a lot harder. In no way am I ever rude to others unnecessarily, but I am incredibly cautious and distrustful. Whether I have a pessimistic or realistic outlook on the way people are, varies on what others believe. I believe that when it comes down to it, people will always look out for themselves before others. I find it near impossible to trust people, because of this. I'm always thinking and waiting for them to turn away or stab me in the back. Not only this, but I find I just generally dislike the way most people act and think.

Has anyone experienced this; either? Is it 'normal' to have a strong dislike of people and society? My counselor thinks it's probably a result of depression, but all my life I've never truly liked people, so it can't really be that, can it?

[lowinmood]

disliking people and not trusting people are two separate things in my opinion.

and I can resonate with this, because I feel let down by most people, I have reason to feel this way.

However, I've realised that I now need to stop trying to want people to care about me, I realise I have to do that for myself, as I've realised that people are self-absorbed, everyone is, and people generally don't give two hoots about you, unless you get emotionally close to someone, and they might do. Maybe this isn't our fault, maybe is a nature thing where we have to take care of ourselves first in order to survive.

[ComfortablyNumb5]

I think you may just be an old sole. I too always hung out/dated older people. And you said yourself that you need counseling. In my experience, a therapist helps out more than a school counselor. Maybe in therapy you can figure out what this general disliking for people is about.

My myself am BP2 and when I'm in that kind of mood, it's usually when I'm manic/depressed.

Dx: BP2, PTSD, bulimia/anorexia
Risperdal 4mg
Trileptal 300mgs
Buspar 45mgs
Ativan 1mg PRN
Vyvance 70mgs PRN

[ChipperMonkey]

I think its two different issues.

I think once you get to college you'll find more like minded people.

Did you have a rough childhood or did something traumatic happen to you when you were young? Have you experienced any sort of neglect?

Cherryberry - Has anyone experienced this; either? Is it 'normal' to have a strong dislike of... [peers]...people and society? My counselor thinks it's probably a result of depression, but all my life I've never truly liked people, so it can't really be that, can it?

Chippermonkey - Did you have a rough childhood or did something traumatic happen to you when you were young? Have you experienced any sort of neglect?

Yes, I've experienced this. I never felt that I had anything in commmon with my peers and as a result was very awkward. I did experience both neglect at home and trauma at the hands of my peers. Thus I was distrustful as well. Adults seemed safer and I soon came to enjoy the more intellectual conversation.

Well I am now an adult with adult peers. I still feel I don't have a lot in common with them. As a result I tend to still find making friends difficult. I tend to gravitate towards those well schooled in things like philosphy, politics, science, and history. Yes I'm a bit of an adult geek.

[avlady]

nothing wrong with that. you. are more mature than most people i would believe. you can find your niche with the college people pretty well most likely. good luck and i do hope you don't give up on everybody, there are alot of people in your shoes.

[CherryBerry9339]

Originally Posted by ChipperMonkey

I think its two different issues.

I think once you get to college you'll find more like minded people.

Did you have a rough childhood or did something traumatic happen to you when you were young? Have you experienced any sort of neglect?

I wouldn't say my childhood was particularly rough or traumatic. Neglect by one parental figure, for which was made up by the other. I simply grew up feeling distant, out of place, and unable to really connect with other people on a level I found satisfying.