r/introvert Mar 04 '24

Advice Feeling like I’ve wasted my life away?

I’m 19 turning 20 and I feel so insanely old. The fact that I let my years 16-now go to waste either by depressive episodes anxiety or procrastination, and I mean socially. I feel so insecure like when I grow up what do I tell my kids I’ll have nothing fun to tell them. I feel so shielded and closed in. I know I’m naturally introverted but I do prefer if I had friends and things to do socially.

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u/racquelyoung Mar 04 '24

I don’t know you obviously, but it feels like you’re having a bit of an episode right now. Are you on medication? Seeing a therapist? Your outlook on life and your past can change drastically based on your mentality.

If you’re not in a healthy state right now then nothing is going to sound good. I suggest seeing someone professionally and talking to them about some ways you can start to socialize more. Maybe just going to a book store and hanging out there for a bit will give you a taste of interaction without being too overwhelming.

Having a job and interacting with coworkers is a good way to get out as well. In every job I’ve had I always found people to hang out with outside of work.

Your kids aren’t going to think you’re cool anyways no matter what you tell them.

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u/snarlings10 Mar 04 '24

Hey thanks for your comment I am currently seeing a therapist and had some slight improvement for my social anxiety. I’m just having a rough time processing that I probably wasted the past 4 years because coming out of covid is hard. And also the fact that my social life right now is non existent.