Could I have a social disorder, or just something simpler? I would like to know in case I can get it fixed?

Question

I am a 19 year old sophomore college male. I have no friends in college, but I have a couple at home, of whom I don't see much of during breaks. I used to wear the same clothes everyday until I forced myself to improve myself, but I still eat the same things for lunch and dinner every day. I have a speech impediment. I can never get past "what's up" in a conversation except for maybe asking one question. I can however though continue a conversation if the opposing member thinks of something to talk about. I've read many books and practiced but no change. I am anxious in public and prefer sitting in my dorm all day rather than socializing with people. I prefer being by myself all of the time, even away from family, although I desperately want to change that. I stutter most of the time I talk. I never knew what body language was until I recently read about it. I can talk to the couple of friends I do have though easily and can converse normally and comfortably, but not with others. I also get obsessed with one particular thing for a long period of time (aka running 90 miles a week to get fast, eating 5000 calories a day to gain weight, etc). Sorry for the weird format, I just wanted to add a lot of stuff in a shortish amount of space. I really want to be like normal people but it's always been so difficult. What can I do to help? TIA!

I'm not into the whole drinking scene, and I couldn't really go out with anyone unless I was a friend of theirs. I've never ever had a girlfriend, which says a lot about my experience going out places or asking people to go out.

Answer 1

Look up Aspberger's Syndrome... it's a high-function autism.

Also, here's a tip, 'normal' is only a setting on the wash machine! How about saying that people who you think are "normal" are NT (neurologically typical)!

Answer 2

Sounds like a significant number of problems for one your age - I'd rather not give it a label. It must not be a very satisfying life and for that reason alone I would seek professional help if I were you. Since you are already a student in college I would go to the student health center at your college and ask for a referral.

You will be surprised how quickly things will begin to improve if you get the proper help. So please don't procrastinate. You should experience changes in all facets of your life and things will get much easier for you once you get the ball rolling. Good luck.

Answer 3

hmm, i think i understand this all too well. i know socialization doenst come natural to all of us. you are, primarily, an introvert. thats not a bad thing. its just the opposite of an extrovert. what it signifies, is just that, being with people takes away from your psychic energy, and being alone helps you to recharge. you feel most confortable, alone, by yourself. but you still want peopel in your life. i suppose i would recommend... and i know this is hard... trying to find some people you would like to hang out with... and try to catch them whentheyre makign plans for going out. man that sounds fun! you shoudl say. soudn enthusiastic. then if they say, you can come. you go with them, hope its a place where they serve alcohol. lol and then you relax and you socialize. then at the end of the day, go back to your dorm room. read. watch tv. relax.

Answer 4

sounds like you have alot of anxiety and alot of time on your hands that doesnt help. you worry too much about small things but they seem huge to you. thats a antisocial personality disorder which can be treated through meds and talking. we are all different {each has their own fears and hidden feelings} i was like that and had plenty of outlets ...alcohol drugs etc. then it hit me square in the face 1 day and i broke down and told everyone how i really felt and i changed, notice my nick{badboy} yeah i was untilli found myself which took 47yrs but i had no one to tell me i needed help. i guess they were afraid of me because i did some things that scared me later on. talk to a counselor and good luck man!

Answer 5

Realize that everyone that has lived has SOMETHING about them that they dont like....looks, weight, image, etc, its just that some problems are easier to hide...your happens to be an open one..dont loose confidense or hide inside, I know some people who stutter, and theyve probuly got more freinds than me....just remember, ALL people have issues...just relax and be yourself..