take deep breaths and communicate to them with body language that says you aren't in the mood for conversation wear something that you are comfortable in but are also ready to be out and about in

i have this issue all the time

Thank you for the advice, I'll do my best.

If you can, see if you can get in to see some kind of therapist. They can at least point you in the right direction if you need help. When I was in the hospital for the same type of problems, I was basically encouraged to be around people, starting slowly and trying to do it more so that I could desensitize myself from being anxious. ;n;

Unfortunately I've tried a therapist here and, beyond setting off my school's psychiatric alert system thing, it didn't seem to do much. Not sure how much it'll help right now, but it's good advice all the same, thanks!

Hmmm. In terms of therapists and therapy... Just keep looking. I know that probably sucks to hear because it can be really nerve wracking looking for someone to talk to, but see if you can find different therapists that specialize in different types of therapy if you can. CBT can help a lot if you look into it, but... Every one is different so while it helped with me, you might need something else... I wish you luck, though... I've been through it and know how it can be. <3

I actually was going through that for a long time, still am to a certain extent. I know no-one wants to hear is but anti-anxiety/depressants really help. I've been taking them for about a year now and while I still have anxiety and depression its got down a great deal, to the point that its not debilitating that much. I still have my bad moments but its much better. I know taking meds sounds bad but its really not and its made my life less stressful and thats all that really important.
Having a good support system is a good idea too, whether its with friends or family, and its doesn't have to be a big support system, I have a couple really close friends that I'm able to get comfort from and advice.
Therapy can be nice to have, I had one for a while that I was just able to rant too and she gave me suggestions. It helped a little but not as much as the anti-anxiety meds.
Doing art or listening to music and just zoning out can help in bad moments, or even texting or calling someone close to you.

And of course you can always message me to talk if you need to. Hope this helps :)

Actually, I have a nice little drawer full of various doses of anti-depressants and anti-anxiet... ies, due to the amount of times I've been flipped between prescriptions over these past few years. I know they're supposed to help, but I haven't really been able to make myself take them regularly for a year or so now, which may be because of disappointment or guilt or whatever the hell I've psyched myself out with. I don't usually ask for help on that, since I don't think anyone can really give any advice besides "Just swallow it." Which is stupidly easier said than done, for some reason.

But yes, thank you for the advice, all of the advice, even if I didn't get right back to you or know what to say in return. Your offer is generous and much, much appreciated. <3

I can understand that, it can be a task to take meds. Some days I just stare at them for a while trying to get myself to take them =/

You're welcome! I wouldn't wish the anxiety/depression brand of suffering on anyone.

Usually what I do in these situations is move very quickly and swiftly out the door and try to communicate via body language that I'm in a hurry/late for something or whatever and don't have time to talk. If someone does try to say something, just say "Oh hey! Sorry I really can't talk right now, I'm really late for [work/school/appointment/etc]."

Although I guess this would only be viable a handful of times.

It's a tactic I've been trying, when I feel I can get away with it without triggering some kind of "Wow he's rude!" reaction, then succumbing to worry over that, haha.

I suppose it would work better if my dorm's residents weren't so obscenely chatty.

I hate those feelings, its so hard to pull your self out of that hole and there's no way to explain you were late because you broke down with a panic attack. I have trouble letting people know when I need help because I hate feeling weak which makes the anxiety worse.

Honestly I find it really hard to get out of, but what i'm trying to work right now with myself is just admitting I have a problem and accepting it. I get anxiety around groups of people and so instead of just jumping in head first i've been just trying to deal with smaller groups now and then. Its like going to the gym though, gotta pump yourself up with positive to be able to do it.

Setting small goals and doing them always feels nice, gives you more self confidence that you can do this! I also mediate a lot to try and calm myself down so I don't over think something and get stressed again. Having a friend that wont ditch you is also handy.

But doing any of that while being depressed will be way way harder. Gotta work on that one first! Try and find what you used to enjoy and get some of that back. Feeling good about yourself and motivated to change is the best starting point.

Good luck! Talking is a good way to start, internet or not.

I have trouble talking about it since it feels like I shouldn't. I have a relatively easy life; I go to a good school on a generous scholarship, I have a family that could be worse, I can afford both the time and money to do some hobbies I enjoy. So I really shouldn't be feeling depressed and anxious and all of that. I know it's not true, but god it's hard to get over. I guess getting over that is part of admitting I have a problem? I'm not sure.

After a lot of chiding and talking I'm starting to get back on my meds, and then hopefully the depression part will ease off, haha. So, best hopes, I'll be able to take your advice to heart here in a while. Thanks for your reply, it's much appreciated. ♥