Hi, thanks for reaching out.

So, believe it or not, this is very familiar. I had a very hard time all through school, with no friends, being teased, feeling different....everyone goes through something. And its never permanent.

Here is what I've learnt
-the word depression is a very loaded word that i would recommend you not use anymore. Use a different word- you are having a challenging time, you are upset, you are stressed, you are scared....depression is like a label. Take that label off you and see what happens. Its totally ok to have feelings, strong emotions...no need to label them though.

-stop the story of what's wrong with you or what's going on around you. When you stop telling the same story, you create space for a new story to show up.

-how you feel about yourself is what will attract similar types of people to be your friends. So if you keep saying you're depressed, you will probably attract others who are.
Start focusing on what you love, do you love art? music? books? the environment? sports? fashion? join a club because thats what brings you joy, not with the outcome of making friends...that will happen naturally.

-let go of time. how long it will take to make friends. its not something you can force...but i promise you, there are people in your school who will become your friends and you dont even know them yet.

Everyone is scared, everyone wants to be loved, everyone wants to feel good enough, everyone wants to be accepted- think about that next time you see a group of friends together. We all have insecurities, some cover them up. But they are all there.

Also, the best way to start feeling better in general is to take care of your health. its hard to feel down when you look good, you feel good about yourself, you are radiating good energy. Even if you just focused on your health for a few months, people will notice, will want to connect with you. Remember the SEED- Sleep, Exercise, Eat Well and Drink (water!!)

Finish everyday with a gratitude journal, what went well today, what made you smile or happy. This is contagious....it gets bigger the more you focus on them.

Watch what you are telling yourself- your inner dialogue. Are you saying things like what's wrong with me? or are you telling yourself positive things? thats something you can control. Try and pick up my book if you can.

also, to end off i wrote an article for Seventeen magazine about having a great school year, ive attached the link here
Link

Let me know how things go...i believe in you
Ariane
xo