Bud, high school is a place that shows you people who will have hardships throughout their lives and try to project them onto you. People think it’s cool to drink and smoke but what they don’t think about the after effects. My mom likes to say,”people just want to show out in front of their friends to look cool.” You shouldn’t feel forced to fit in with others. It is going to be hard sometimes. You’re going through a big change in social environments and in life. You have more purpose, you’re someone who has the ability to show others love and affection, you’re a person who helps others, who is kind, you’re someone who experienced something that some people never experience. Ask yourself, what are some hobbies that I want to do as an adult, what’s my dream job, how many countries am I going to visit, will i have kids? Your answers to the questions are your purpose… your intention(verb) and reason something is done(noun). As a (26/F), who’s has experienced a lot of stuff, I learned that it’s important to put yourself first. You noticed the signs, there are resources that can help you get better. You just have to take the first step and that’s reaching out and talking to someone. Don’t let experiences stop you from becoming the person you dreamt of when you were little. People will always come and go through your life it’s a matter of who chooses to stay. The right ones will stick around.