Loneliness,Some depression and distrust

[bakura91]

This week, my 1st week of college Ive felt Really lonely and extremely insecure. Ive talked to some people but I'm so distrustful I don't feel like those people really will like me. I dont feel like I can fit in and I'm afraid to trust people. I'd love some prayer or advice I have Extremely low self esteem right now, I don't know how I can deal with this.

[seaglass27]

You have roommates, right? Get to know them first (you're going to have to sooner or later). Chances are some of them are more outspoken then you are and have already started making new friends, who I'm sure they would only be too happy to introduce you to.

I'll pray for you.

[Phantom_Sorano]

Going to college for the first time is a big deal, and it's perfectly normal to feel uncomfortable. It's a totally new realm and experience for you! At this point, your biggest enemy is you; no one has any mean thoughts toward you. They don't even know how awesome you are yet! The cool thing about college is that you have a new blank page in your story- and you can write it however you like. The best advice I can give you besides prayer and just having a simple chat with the Big Dad Upstairs who is right there for the ride with you is just to break that comfortable bubble and go out and talk with people. I struggled with the same thing when I went off to school, and I struggled with my feelings and where I'd fit in for about two or three weeks. I hope you don't have to suffer as long, so just remember:

-You are LOVED! God, Jesus, family, friends, the dog, neighbor's cat.....etc. But you're not alone in this.

-It's perfectly okay to call home; no one's gonna judge.

-All the other guys that are just moving in are just as scared and unsure as you are though they might not show it on the outside.

-Don't stay in your dorm room! Get out and hang with people on campus; look for clubs that interest you.

-Find a loud, crazy person. We love to incorporate new kids. (And you can even mooch from their food.)

-Assure yourself with positive messages throughout the day-whether out loud or to yourself. It surprisingly works.

-Make it a goal to talk to two or three people a day; friends will add up quickly.

-Have a one-on-one with God. I'm not talking about the clasped hands and the "Holy thou art..." kind of talk either. Yes, we are supposed to revere and respect Him, but at the same time He is our closest friend and loving parent. Just talk to Him. Plainly like if you were talking to a good friend. Go on a walk, sit down, and just start talking because He's there listening. You'll feel great once you do.

Praying for you Mr. Bakura. If you ever have any questions or need to talk, send me a PM.

[Atria35]

Otaku has some great advice right there- being friends with your roomies is a good start.

Go to a club or activity that interests you. Finding people with similar interests is a great way to make friends! Even if you don't feel like trusting people, reach out anyway and see about hanging out with a few of them outside of the club.

See if you can't get into the counselor's to talk about your insecurity and self-esteem- that's what they're there for, and you won't be the first or last student to have this issue..

[seaglass27]

I forgot to mention something very important! SEE IF YOUR COLLEGE HAS AN ANIME CLUB!
[Begins blaring Genshiken theme from speakers]

[bakura91]

Its community college (but a Nice one) I plan on going University after my 2 years. I (and I'm gonna tell my counselor this Tuesday) have this problem were I assume people are thinking negatively about me when theres no reason to think so. If two really attractive well off looking people are talking and one laughs and I'm walking by I would start thinking that they are laughing at me. Ive mostly been feeling lonely because my 2 best closest friends are now across America in Air Force and Military service and even though we message on line all the time I still miss hanging out with them.