Difficulties In Making Friends & Not Enough Time With Friends / Question
Published: October 29, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I just moved to a new school about 4 months ago. I hate it. I've tried to make new friends, but most of them don't seem to like me. I've tried being myself and talking to other people and being friendly, but nothing seems to work. I really want to tell me parents that I want to move back to my previous school and they'll probably let me, but I also want to try to make more new friends. What should I do?
Signed: New School - No Friends
Dear New School - No Friends,
TeenHealthFX understands that this must be very difficult for you and is glad that you have the resolve to keep trying to make this situation better for yourself. Being a new person at a new school can be very scary and is almost never easy for anyone, so please do not think that you are alone in how you are feeling.
It is good that you have tried to reach out to the other students at school. If you have not already, how about trying to join some of the different clubs and activities at school that may interest you? Once you start going to meetings and become involved, you will naturally make friends with those that have similar interests.
Lastly, try to remember that although it may not seem like it, 4 months is not all that long in the grand scheme of things. If most school years last from September to June, then you are still in the beginning of your time there. Try to be patient with the other students - often, it just takes time for people to feel comfortable enough to get to know one another.
If you feel like you need to talk to someone about it, you may want to consider speaking to a teacher or a guidance counselor.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Less than 33% of teens with depression get help, yet 80% of teens with depression can be successfully treated if they seek help from a doctor or therapist.
