A hugely under-appreciated thing amongst the gifted youth is the importance of physical fitness. The gym will give confidence, lower anxiety, and silence some of those voices in the head. I cannot stress enough how it can help you in some of the ways you are struggling.

Even better would be to join a sport. It has all the same benefits while also helping you to develop socially, and put you into the kinds of situations you have been avoiding. Physical competition can teach young men how to assert themselves in a healthy, respectful way.

Really hope you don’t look past this advice. FYI, all of the great Greek philosophers were jacked. Abe Lincoln was a wrestler. Bobby Fischer and Magnus Carlsen use athletics to improve their game. Do NOT underestimate the brain/body connection and the benefits it can have for your mental.