My confidence has taken a big hit and is only getting worse. The past year I have been going in and out of depression and I really need help and advice.

I feel like I have to start my life from scratch. I realised I have many friends but my social skills are actually horrible, I cannot keep a conversation going and when I do I usually say something that's not very intelligent. I see people meeting each other for the first time and and amazed by how well they get on from the word go. I feel that I am a bit slow, meaning that my brain is not connected to my mouth at times and I end up saying something that i wasn't planning to. I think this all stems down to my family for being so judgmental and not allowing myself to grow as a person, I am now 23.

I know it looks like I'm just picking out my flaws but I wanted to give a few examples of how I feel and am, I used to be a very secure person but that is not the case anymore. I am getting frustrated but I am looking to make the most of my life so I really need help. I have started reading to improve my intelligence and I have also started meditating to try and connect my mouth and brain lol. I do work a minimum of 6 days a week and am out of the house for more than 15 hours a day. I am looking to make something of myself career wise but without good social skills and confidence I cannot see myself getting far.

Does anybody have any advice that they can give me on how to improve my life altogether? I have decided to hibernate from social situations because it is becoming increasingly frustrating with watching people get on so well while I am sitting in the corner having little conversations with everyone, it seems that I am the guy that just makes little jokes here and there and doesn't really contribute to any actually conversations.

Also I speak to many people a day so I do have an audience to practice on. So if anyone can help me I would be very appreciative. Thanks

Yes I do. Join a gym.

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They call me the cat whisperer, cause I know exactly what the pussy needs.

The moment you said you used to be secure, I know exactly what you're missing. I mean, what happened to you? You were all good, all confident, all secure, and now somehow, you've turned backwards and you don't know why?

You've stopped being aware. You've stopped noticing things. I used to be in your situation. I used to think I was now so useless that I'm shutting myself off cause everyone else is having it easy. But then all I had to do was just to realize the in-between things.

Just take time to think, breathe in, and relax. Just relax. Love yourself because you're alive. That petty feeling you have when you watch your friends do it all so easily? Don't even think about it. So what? It's their life. You control how you feel. And you must be aware of this! Be involved! Don't just stand there! When you're with your friends and they're communicating so well with others, be involved! Step into that zone! Don't be too conscious about what others think or believe, just go!

Hope this message finds you well. Have a great day.

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"Don't try to change who you are. Don't even think you're not good enough right now. You ARE good enough being who you are. Women can smell a fake man the same way you can smell cheesecake."