How Can I Stop Being Weird?

Question

I'm 17 and in high school, and I'm a smart girl and my teachers and other adults are fond of me, but I've always kind of been on my own, and although I've had friends and have never been picked on, I've never quite fit in either. I'm quieter and reserved, and I have some weird issues. I'm really depressed and have no means of getting help, as my parents don't buy into the depression thing, and I'm obsessive and irrational when it comes to people and how I communicate with them and react to situations. I'm just irrational and I worry and stress a lot. I'm just in a hard place and I don't know what to do about it. I think I turn people away from me by acting like this, however I feel like I can't stop myself. I want to be liked and fit in, and not feel invisible, and I think I've forgotten how to interact with people my age. I feel like I'm going crazy and I just don't know what to do. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

I think it's normal to feel weird at 17 and to feel that no-one understands you.

You basically just described me at the age of 17. I am now 40 and have learned over the years that we need to lighten up on ourselves and not take life too seriously. You will learn as you grow older how to deal with people and will really come into your own, so please stop worrying.

I know it doesn't seem easy, but try to lighten up and not be so hard on yourself. You are a special and worthwhile person and the world has a LOT to offer you. Just give yourself the time and understanding to allow yourself to grow and change.

I wish you the very best of luck and a lifetime filled with happiness.

Answer 2

That sounds identical to me when i was in high school. You just have to look at things from a different point of view and stop over thinking everything. And find something that isn't a person to obsessive over. This doesn't mean you will fit in though. I have a completely different way of thinking than many other people and until about 11th grade i felt that no one else was like me; until i met my long lost boy twin. I've always been an independent person so when i comes to having friends i've never felt the need to have tons. Having one completely understanding best friend is always better then 20 that just keep wondering what the hell is going on in your head. Finding out what is causing your depression and finding good ways to counter act it is best. I was also depressed and i fixed it myself. Positive thinking and actions are best. You can't please others if your not pleased with yourself.

Answer 3

Well stated. My experience in high school sounds a lot like yours, and for me, it got progressively better as I got older and was able to focus on my "niche". It took some time to find it, but I really made an effort to stay true to myself and once I felt focused and grounded in college (around age 20), I felt genuine and (mostly) happy. The qualities you describe aren't usually celebrated in high school, but can be a HUGE asset as an independent adult. And as you know, we're adults a LOT longer than we're in high school. Try to keep your eye on the prize. You'll forget about the crappy high school stuff soon enough. Oh, and trust me, EVERYONE has weird issues and most people are irrational. That will become very obvious as you move out into the world. The trick is to embrace it and laugh at the human condition. There is profound goodness and humor in people. You just have to look for it. Sounds like you're simply more mature than the kids around you. It's a good thing! Honest!

Answer 4

Check with your school counselor. Show him what you have written and plead for help.

The county you live in might have mental health facilities.

I see parts of you in how I was in High School. Timid and fitting in but not really.

As young adult I found out my learning disabilities. Wow that explained so many things in my past. I had to learn to over come them.

Some people, like maybe you, are late bloomers. Some kids lives peak in high school and it is down hill from there. You can take care of yourself and bloom when you are older. But, you first need help to address your problems of depression NOW in order to become the best you can be.

Take some steps to get some help. If your parents won't help- then you need to reach out else where to get that help. School, county, or a church.

Answer 5

I am like you I am quiet and my teachers and adults are very fond of me. But I also have really good friends and have never gotten picked on. I feel invisable and I also feel like people shape my words so that they can get me to do or give them what they want. What I do is I try to get in to conversations with my friends and I also try to make friends with lots of people so that I knoe that they would always be there for me. Hope that helps and good luck!

Answer 6

Sounds like you may have something along the lines of a social anxiety disorder. You mentioned that you have no means of getting help but this seems like the only reasonable solution. There are medications that can help with both depression and social anxieties. I'm not saying that medication is the answer. It is the most logical start though.

Answer 7

First of all you're not weird.
You're perfectly normal; all of us have felt weird at one time or another.
Just because you don't fit the "mold" of the average kids your age only makes you a unique individual. Stop comparing yourself with others and accept your uniqueness.
Do what you like and to h.. with what anyone thinks.

Answer 8

You definitely need someone to talk to that cares about you. Try talking to your mom, or if that's not comfortable, how about a relative or good friend. If none of those are possible, talk to your school counselor, or a teacher, perhaps they can give you direction.