panicing ..a lot! what the hell is wrong with me..this question sounds so drama queen-ish but..but im not one!

Question

i recently started my second year of high school.. i don't know why but in most classes i feel awkward, and like i don't belong with anyone there. i have no friends in most of my classes.. and there's not really oppertunity to make friends with people in my classes because cliques have already been formed.. and i'm not in one of them. on top of that my teacher just announced we'd be doing a lot of presentations and acting and dancing for the class.. i get so anxious before presentations.. i can't sleep the night before.. i start thinking of bad thoughts i shouldn't be thinking of. i basically convince myself i'd rather be anywhere but there.. and i don't care waht i have to do ( slit myself :S ) i don't know where this is coming from. i was going to cry in class today.. doing anything in front of all those strange faces just makes me so nervous.. and i shouldn't be. i'm alread panicing. i cried as soon as i got home and i don't feel like talking to anyone or going back to any classes

Answer 1

Hey...

I have to say that writing here for me is difficult, after all, what do I know? So take my words with a pinch of salt... but hopefully they'll help.

Here is how I look at public speaking:
1. Statistically this is the second most scariest thing to most people. First being death! Crazy, but most of us are scared of public speaking - just the same way you are.
2. If the faces looking at you are not your friends, why care? Who are they to bother you? Are they worth it?
3. What is the worst thing that can happen? Nothing... I once forgot what I had to say and looked a little goofy - someone giggled at the back and I felt like ... yes - pretty bad. But then I realized, I don't care what they think, I am here to do my thing. I said "Hey, it IS funny when someone loses strack of thoughts! I often laugh at it myself!" and saying that helped me regain my composure and get back on topic.

In short, public speaking may be unpleasant but it should be tolerable and it just may become enjoyable.

Now about friends. Oh... I used to hate most of my high-school mates. I can feel what you are saying so close to heart. Time changes us, but there are things that may help. What helped me assimilate and actually begin to respect my peers (yes, I really mean respect - it was the one thing that was missing for me) was when I joined a Lifeguard program. I am not sure what you have at your school, but joining a club that makes you exercise phisically keeps your mind in better shape. Actually, try looking up "runner's high" in google and you'll see what I mean. Sports really changed my life - everything about it.

It may or may not be helpful - I am a nobody, just a strange person over the internet sharing experiences, not even daring to give a solid advice - merely hinting at the direction.

I wish you all the best, keep in mind, you are not the first one and definitely not the last one to go through all this! Most of us have been there and have done that and all is well now. Friends come and go, but having them gives us pleasure, what else can we ask for? Sports brings people closer together and friendships become finally possible, deep relationships with your peers.

Well... thats my $0.05 and it has been years since I finished my highschool - but the problems seem to stay the same. Funny how world is...

Answer 2

first, take a deep breath and say to yourself, it's gonna be okay! I can do this!
Now, imagine everyone else in their underwear and maybe they won't be so overwhelming! (Well it worked for Jan Brady)
Look for one person in each class that maybe you could be friends with.
Do your best and it will be okay!
Find an adult friend you can talk to about your situation. Try to think positive.