How to talk to your friends...? Please help.

Question

I just started high school last year and it's been harder and harder to talk to people, or at least keep up a conversation with them - it's not just classmates, but even family or friends I've known for years.

Now I'm at the point where I've tried to talk to someone but after a few seconds the conversation goes blank or ends in an awkward silence where I have nothing to talk about and I can't find things to keep up the conversation. I've tried to be myself and talk to them normally, but that doesn't work at all...actually, what might be part of the problem is that I didn't have any real friends in grades 5 and 6 because I moved and I'm still stuck in that habit, but my problem with talking to people only started happening at the start of high school.

For the past few months this summer I've been by myself while everyone else is having fun, and I'm starting to realize I'm getting the depression symptoms...can someone tell me how I can talk to my friends and my family like we used to?

Answer 1

I understand where you are coming from. I moved around a lot when I was  in grade school and middle school, but don't let that be a reason to justify any behavior you don't want. Think of moving as way to further hone your conversation skills.

First, are you afraid to have conversations because you think these people will judge you? Or that they won't like what you say? If that's the case try to stop thinking that way. The more self conscious you  are and the more you think (or obsess) about what you say prevents actual conversation flow.

Conversations are like art forms. Try developing interests that you can relate to with others. Deep conversations are often the result of deep interest or willingness to open up yourself. Also try to listen to others for cues in conversation.

if you feel like you are starting to get depressed find anyone to share your true feelings - if you can't find a close friend or family member, talk to a counselor at school, or even an online friend. Depression is a big deal - don't let it take over your life.

Also when all else fails, go into internet. Good luck, hope everything turns out well.