I don't know how to make friends, I feel so alone

[hannah_banana]

I am 22 and I haven't been in a social circle or had friends since I left high school

I feel like something clicks off in my brain when I am in a conversation with people I am not close to and I find it hard to get past saying 'hello' and 'how are you'

I don't know if I will ever make friends again, I am creative and I find it very hard to see past my own visualisations of the world. I am so shy and awkward all of the time.

I am terrified of walking on my own, my biggest fear is that I will be abducted and tortured... Does anyone else have this fear? I feel scared as a woman that people just see me as a sex object and I just want to hide away. 

I am scared of so many things and I feel so insignificant but I don't know what to do that will help, I am too scared to talk to the doctor about my issues and I tried talking to my boyfriend- he says that I don't need help and that I am making it all up. I do not have a support network or anybody I can talk to. I don't have a family. I have one sister that I talk to who laughs at everything I do wrong. I feel so alone.

[white knight]

Hi HB, welcome to Beyond Blue forums

Firstly, although I am not a medical professional, I think you have a serious enough problem to justify seeking help. Therapy or other assistance.

I urge you to go to your GP. You dont have to give full details but perhaps write them down and allow him to read them rather than speaking.

Bare in mind I reckon 80% of people doubt others will mental struggles. These naive people pass judgement and effectively tell you of their diagnosis (eg "making it all up") without any medical professional expertise at all. Amazing stuff.

So do not take their views seriously in fact ignore them. Find your help and seek it. Be brave. you will find peace when you slowly gain confidence in a person that you are in comfort with.

take care. Tony