Hi, I am in secondary school and it’s the holidays now. I wanna call and talk to my friends but everyone does not want to talk to me. I get left out in every conversation, and even my best friend of 7 years is ditching me. All my friends has been calling and playing games without me and even my best friend has inside jokes with my friends whom she never met before. i feel like if I disappear it won’t matter. No one has incited me to call or talk and I haven’t talked to any friend for 2 months already. During the holidays I do not have that much screentime, maybe 5 hours max? But my mother would constantly make me do everyone’s chores and would scold me if i even relax and play. I just got scolded again as I just wanna have some time to myself but my mother wanted me to do work. I feel like a burden and that nobody likes me. Not even my closest friend cares about me and I have been facing my parents’ wrath everyday. I also have been scammed ON MY BIRTHDAY in a game that I have been playing for the past 5 years(it has helped me put my mind off things but now I have nowhere to go, no one to talk to). It might not seem like a big deal to YOU but I feel so so sad. No one wants to talk to me or hangout with me and I have been betrayed. Not like my parents are making it any better. they think i have too much screentime although i spend most of my day rwading and doing homework(idk i find it fun)
Dear @user6080
Thank you for sharing what has been happening in your life. I’m glad you reached out. Reading what you wrote, I can feel how painful it has been and I think many of us who have been through similar situations can identify with them feelings you expressed.
It is understandable that being left out by friends, especially someone you’ve known for seven years feels like you are invisible or unimportant, but please know that you are not. I have seen firsthand that friend groups sometimes shift during holidays without meaning to hurt anyone, and people tend to get caught up in their own routines. However, no matter the reasons why it happened, the silence hurts. Furthermore it is definitely hurtful to anyone when our best friend chooses to focus on someone else over us.
Home sounds stressful too. It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed when you’re expected to do a lot of chores and yet reprimanded when you try to relax. I believe you deserve some time to rest after chores, especially during the holidays.
Non stop criticism is deeply hurtful. That suggests the environment around you is demanding. I have observed that feeling constantly criticised can wear down anyone’s confidence, especially when you’ve already feeling lonely.
It must also hurt to lose your game on your birthday after spending five years building memories, progress, and comfort there.
It is clear the game helped you cope, and it’s completely relatable to feel sad, angry, or disappointed about it.
With everything piling up, it’s normal to start feeling like disappearing or like no one would notice. This is because you are emotionally overwhelmed. However remember that your life matters too and you are precious.
May I suggest the following for your consideration:
-You could send a simple, low-expectation message to reconnect with someone, something like: “Hey, hope you’re doing okay. Would be nice to catch up when you’re free.” If they respond slowly, that’s about them being distracted or busy, not about your worth.
-Continue focusing on reading and doing productive things which you enjoy and does not depend on anyone else’s attention.
-Try talking to your mom at a calmer moment and say something like, “I want to help, but I also need a little time each day to rest so I don’t burn out.” It won’t fix everything instantly, but it can help open space for balance.
-Explore a new comfort activity to replace the game, something small, calming, and just for you. It could be another game that doesn’t require long screen time, or something like journalling, drawing, music, or even exploring a new book series.
-Speak to a counsellor on how you have been feeling. Counsellors listen unconditionally and can help process what you are feeling and teach coping skills.
I encourage you to keep moving towards what you want by taking slow steady steps forward. Do consider the suggestions listed and freely reach out here again where needed. 
hello, thank you for sharing. As a student myself, I understand how holidays are very cherished since it is the time for us to relax. some friends are here for some chapters of our lives, and perhaps we can meet more people and connect with more people through joining school clubs that you are interested in. Perhaps also going on long walks can help to reduce stress. Rooting for you OP!