At 16, afraid to make eye contact with others, could it be social anxiety and bipolar disorder?

Hello! I'm sending you a warm hug from afar.

I commend you for your keen awareness of your emotional state. This is an excellent first step towards making positive changes.

First of all, you do not meet the criteria for social phobia or bipolar disorder based on your emotional state. It is important not to label yourself with any personality disorders because labels have a guiding effect, especially negative personality labels. Your label will directly affect and imply that your behavior pattern is more in line with your label.

The fact is, your emotional state is largely shaped by your own feelings of inadequacy and lack of confidence. This is a common experience, particularly when confronted with unfamiliar situations and people.

Understand what needs are driving your fear and dread. These needs may include the desire to be accepted, affirmed, encouraged, supported, and praised. Conversely, your fear may also stem from a desire to avoid rejection, denial, and dislike. Once you can identify these needs behind your inappropriate behavior patterns, you can begin to understand and accept your behavior patterns. With this understanding, you can then confront your fear and enter a relationship with bravery. Express yourself sincerely, avoid high expectations of yourself, and accept that occasional mistakes are normal. These mistakes do not indicate that you are unworthy or unsuitable. They simply indicate a lack of preparation and self-confidence. This is something you can improve through continuous training.

Cheer up. You need to recognize your shortcomings and inadequacies, but you also have many bright spots and strengths. Develop more interests and passions, take control of more and more things, and cultivate confidence and a sense of self-worth in your life by keeping a gratitude journal.

I am Lily, the little listener at the Q&A Center. The world and I love you.

Good day, colleague. I can see the confusion you are facing right now.

You are currently experiencing some interpersonal issues. I will provide you with a warm embrace once more.

Firstly, I would advise against self-labelling as having social phobia and bipolar disorder.

Secondly, you become visibly nervous when speaking in public. I am not ruling out the possibility that you have experienced the following:

This indicates that you have had a negative experience when giving speeches or presentations in public.

In such a case, it would be advisable to seek professional psychological counseling and address the underlying issues.

Thirdly, your mention of being easily angered is indicative of a tendency to suppress negative emotions over an extended period. This can result in a sudden and overwhelming release of these emotions when a trigger occurs.

It would be prudent for students to regularly release their negative emotions.

As an example, you may wish to consider purchasing a pair of boxing gloves and keeping them at home.

When you experience negative emotions, engage in physical activity such as punching the walls of your house to release them.

As an additional option, you may wish to consider purchasing an unassuming cushion.

When experiencing negative emotions, a simple and effective solution is to punch a pillow.

Another option is to maintain an emotional diary, which is a straightforward and cost-effective approach.

After writing for a while, you will be better able to identify the root causes of your negative emotions, allowing you to take more effective steps to prevent their occurrence.

I hope you will be able to find an effective solution to the problem you are facing as soon as possible.

I have no further suggestions at this time.

I hope my above responses are helpful and inspiring to you. I am available to answer any further questions you may have.

At Yixinli, we extend our best wishes to you and the world.