<p>I have absolutely zero friends and zero social life whatsoever. I suffer from severe social anxiety, and every time I go out in public I sweat profusely and break out in hives because of the stress.</p>
<p>Every single day, I just stay in my room the entire day unless I need to leave for class or get food. And I'm not even a good student either; I'm a B student getting average grades. </p>
<p>Life sucks.</p>
<p>I think you need to seek help at your school. They have counselors and people you can talk to regarding issues like this; having anxiety from just going out in public is a major issue, but one that can be alleviated with some help. I think one common variable that people who far going out in public is that they care too much about what other people think. Ask yourself…will this matter a year from now? Most people are just minding their business and immersed in their own affairs. </p>
<p>As for making friends: I’m not a very social person by nature, but I have a tight knit group of about 10-15 friends that I hang out with frequently as far as on campus activities go. You meet people because you have something in common. Whether you happen to be in the same class, play a sport together, are apart of a club or community. Do things you enjoy. Attend a club meeting for a group that interests you. Don’t be afraid to speak in discussion based classes. Next time you find yourself worry/stressing over what other people may think of you, just say…who cares? At the end of the day it’s all about being yourself, and I know that’s a bit cliche, but it’s true. </p>
<p>Have some self-esteem as well…you come across as a pretty intelligent individual, and the fact that you’ve taken the initiative to come here and explain your situation shows me that you are curious, and understand who you are. If you are a not content with being a B student, challenge yourself to do better. You’ll be surprised how dramatically your grades will change when you hold yourself to the standard of doing your absolute best and aiming for excellent grades instead of simply “average” grades.</p>
<p>Agree, you should go see a counselor at your school. They are pretty cool in some cases – my nephew is a staff psychiatrist at a college, and he is very easy to talk to and non-judgmental. They can definitely help you. What you are experiencing is more than just normal social anxiety – it is possible that they can prescribe medication that will reduce your anxiety and help you function better in your school environment. It is really worth a try, and you can call for an appointment from your dorm room. Just look up your student health service on your school website for the number.</p>
<p>I think anxiety and having no friends are two separate issues. Maybe the anxiety prevents you from meeting people, in that case maybe a counselor could help. But me personally, I have no anxiety approaching people and I still have no close friends. And so far no advice I’ve found can help, it seems to be very much down to luck.</p>
<p>If your anxiety is so severe that you can’t leave your room unless you absolutely have to, I have to imagine this is not something new. Did you deal with it in high school?</p>
<p>I’ve already seen a counselor, and nothing has changed. I try to be a positive thinker and have happy energy and all that jazz, but it just doesn’t work. I’ve had this anxiety since freshman year of high school, and it’s only gotten worse and worse.</p>
<p>Try some exercises to improve the situation. It cab’t improve in your room. Find a public place where you can read a book or play a game on your phone or any individual activity. Be aware and look for an excuse to say a simple “hey”. You’d be surprised wht can come from that. If you get into a conversation be a good listener and positive. Don’t be completely quiet but there’s no need to say a lot either. Just get out there and try to get used to being around people without putting much pressure on yourself. If people see you around a lot, some will be curious and want to get to know you. I hope. :)</p>
<p>Sorry to be a downer but I kind of doubt saying hey or hanging around somewhere will get you friends. I agree it’s good to get out there but keep your expectations low. Or you will quickly become frustrated.</p>
<p>Social anxiety this severe rarely resolves itself. It is probably actively sabotaging your grades to boot. Set it as your top goal, and act.</p>
<p>“Sorry to be a downer but I kind of doubt saying hey or hanging around somewhere will get you friends”</p>
<p>I agree that its best to keep expectations low. On the other hand, I have made many friends based on the advice above. Thinking it through further, its probably even better to find more direct ways to interact with new people. Join some clubs or other ECs which require interaction.</p>