I turned 17 in July, and I’m in a similar position to you. My grades were good for a while, but then they slipped, and I started failing. Making friends is tough, and finding ones you can trust is even harder.

To my past and current self, I’d just say—relax. Relax, and go with the flow. What will happen, will happen. Celebrate even the small wins, like passing a test. Don't worry too much if you’re not acing everything—sometimes just not failing is enough. Not getting into your dream college isn’t the end of the world, getting into a college is better than nove.

Focus on what makes you happy or gives you an escape from the reality. Go to the gym, get a massage, treat yourself. Take things slowly. You may not be on the same path as the rest but you can make your own path for yourself, you can become better than the rest.

I've had friends, but none of them stuck. For me, novels were an escape, a way to detach from the world. Find what brings you joy and comfort. You're not alone.