Hello. I have learning disabilities: ADHD, OCD, Auditory Processing Disorder, Oral Expression Disorder, Suicidal Thoughts, and Depression. I feel sorry, anxious, and depressed because I feel like people think I am annoying, crazy, weird, etc. It feels like nobody likes me or wants to be my friend. It feels like barely even anyone wants to be my friend. It feels like barely even anyone wants to text with me/hang out with me. It feels like I am invisible like some people don’t even notice me. It makes me feel sad and lonely because it feels like nobody wants to be my friend. In 2020 my parents sent me to this place [name removed for privacy] for help, luckily I was only there for 3 days instead of months. My parents decided to pick me up on day 3. Ever since I was sent there I have had suicidal thoughts. It was terrible there.
KEEP THE MOTIVATION:
- Thank you for sharing your story with our TeenCentral community. It sounds like you are feeling very alone right now and you had a very difficult time at that facility. It took courage to write in to us so, its good to see you are taking some immediate steps to help yourself.
- The most important thing right now is that YOU’RE SAFE! We encourage you to try connecting with a healthy and supportive adult in your life. Perhaps a family member or a mentor, religious leader, coach, guidance counselor, family friend, or older sibling. It is especially helpful when feeling alone to use the connections that we have as a scaffold to help support us in times of need. And when doing so, speak openly with them. There is nothing wrong about the way you feel.
- If you are stuck about how to talk with someone in your life, please try texting “HELLO” to 741741 to the Crisis Text Line for 24/7 support for anyone experiencing crisis. Or you can also call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.
WHEN YOU ARE UP FOR IT:
- While you may feel very alone in your experience, many people feel sadness and loneliness. Here is a very useful youtube link to a segment from the Headspace series on mindfulness, it talks about Shared Human Connection ( https://youtu.be/-OmL4t8LEoE). There are additional videos on her on changing perspectives also. Headspace has some great series on Netflix regarding meditation and mindfulness. And like any new skill, these take practice.
- Build your network of friends. It sounds as if you are feeling as if people are off put by you. Remember, you are more than your diagnosis and every person has unique worth. Perhaps you can find a group of like-minded friends. If you are interested in animals, perhaps you could volunteer at a shelter, if you enjoy gaming there are many gaming guilds around the nation, if you enjoy art or building things, take a class at a local establishment. Join a youth group, sports team, debate, chess, band and you will start off having at least one thing in common with that group of people.
- What would it be like to take a deep breath and start an open discussion with your parents? If they hear that you are struggling with making friends, perhaps they can further support you joining new activities. Remember, they do not have a crystal ball that tells them how you feel, they need your help too sometimes.
- Channel your thoughts in to something creative, read a new book, write a story or a poem, try a sudoku, consider taking a walk in nature, try a new recipe, or sketch something new. Our TOOLS tab offers many more alternative options for coping with stress and anxiety.
