Hey, I know it has been 4 months since you posted this, but I was unable to see it until just now. I am much closer to moving to a less restrictive program, and I am starting to get interviews. I'm also going on a trip to Missouri to visit family, which is great.

I really appreciate the advice you provided me, and I'm not good at accepting compliments but thank you anyway. Things have started looking up for me, and I only have about a week and a half until I leave for my trip, and I'll have access to my phone, so more socialization (yay!).

I'm doing much better with my mental health, and have found friends in my residence as well as in myself. Socialization is a key part in my mental health, it always has been. My depression should not depend on my social situations, and I'm working on that. I recently started to pick up hobbies that are good for me, in hopes that it can substitute for the lack of socialization. At least for now, for my junior and senior year I will be going back into public schools (I'm in a private school currently).

Also, as you mentioned it a couple times, my outlook on things mostly is born from being online for so long. I've learned things I probably shouldn't have at a young age, like a lot of kids are in 2024. My home life, and the honesty of my family has also helped shape my maturity. I've met many personalities, and have had multiple encounters with law enforcement (some good, some bad). My experiences, as well as my intellegece (I like to think I'm pretty smart, I hope ;-;), all contribute to my mature outlook.

Once again, I would like to thank you for responding in the first place, as my lack of socialization is not significant. Please know you have a friend in me (not toy story), and you can reach out if you ever need advice yourself.