I'm 17 and for some reason I think I've developed social anxiety to an extent...I never admit it because I'm afraid if I do then it will get worse.. so basically I think it's caused from paranoia..ever since I knew that people pick up on what kind of vibe your putting out I feel like they can read my mind and then I put on this fake smile like I'm going to be attacked or they're going to reject me, but it only happens every once in a while when I talk to my friends or even my parents..This might be happening because I only get out of the house every once in a while and I only hang out with friends every 2 weeks, if that...that was probably really hard to understand but that's kind of how I feel..any advice?

that's how i was too. the difference between you and I is that i actually did get attacked and got in fights. Anxiety can lead to anger and conflict. By fearing these attacks, you are actually more likely to get attacked, people can sense fear. It is great you are knowing this at 17. I would definitely tell at least one of your parents.

When you wrote the word, "paranoia," I just assumed you were using the term in the vernacular sense and not in the clinical sense. However, what you are describing you are experiencing is in fact considered clinical paranoia. A couple of questions:

1. Are you on any medications?
2. Do you use any recreational drugs?

Some medication and certainly all recreational drugs cause paranoia you describe. If the case is you are on a medication, then bring up what you are experiencing to your doctor. Most likely, he will switch the medication and your paranoia will subside. If the case is recreational drug use, stop. As much as people say marijuana is harmless and herbal, it is very harmful and one of the side effects is paranoia.

In either of the above cases, if you do not act quick enough then your paranoia can lead to other more severe conditions. I do not want to frighten you, but it may lead to Schizophrenia. That leads to my third question

3. Do you have a family history of mental illness, especially on your mother's side?

If you are uncertain, because I know a lot of families like to hide mental illness, then have a frank discussion with your parents about how you are feeling and whether either your mother or father have mental illness anywhere in the family.

Finally, if none of the three are present then I would still tell your parents how you are feeling and see a psychiatrist--not psychologist. Paranoia--especially how you are describing it--is no joke. If treated quickly and appropriately, then you will not have additional problems. If not treated, you will just begin to degenerate and may, may develop more severe conditions.

So, please take this seriously.