I'm Lost in My High School

Hey Reddit,

I’m reaching out because I’m at a breaking point and feel like I can’t keep going like this. I’m Catholic, and living in one of the most secular cities in Canada. Far-left ideologies dominate my high school, and every day feels like a minefield. The more I stay true to my faith, the more I’m isolated - and I can’t help but wonder if I’m completely alone in this struggle.

Here’s the catch: if I express my beliefs, or even say I’m Catholic, I get instantly shut out by the people around me. The woke crowd doesn’t leave room for differing opinions, and if I say anything that doesn’t fit with their agenda, I can kiss any chance of friendships or relationships goodbye. The pressure is real, and I’m starting to feel like my faith is something I have to hide to survive here. I know that the Bible and the Catholic Church tells us to be vocal, and I've come to Reddit before for help with a similar situation, but the more I stand firm in what I believe the further away the people I thought were close to me start to go.

I can’t switch schools, and there are no other social or friend groups in my school I can join (they are mostly fake gangsters with low grades, I am in the only "normal" social group). It’s hard to avoid the social landmines that feel like they’re waiting for me every day. But I’m so tired of pretending to be someone I’m not just to fit in. I don't even care about fitting in - I've never been that type of person - but it has come to a point where trying to fit in isn't my choice, I need to or else I will have no one.

The truth is, no one supports me (other than my parents, I love them dearly). People don’t want to hear what I believe, and they aren't open to hearing different perspectives. I’ve been called all kinds of names and labels, and even though I try to be respectful, there’s always a negative reaction to anything I say. It’s like there’s a wall between me and everyone else. They label me as someone to avoid or ridicule, and the rumours they spread are completely false and hurtful to both myself and my name. They talk behind my back, saying things about me that aren’t true, and yet no one even cares to stop it. I've tried everything, and I am kind, respectful, and caring to even those that hate me.

On top of that, politically, we couldn’t be more different. I stand by my conservative-centrist views, which are seen as “backward” or “outdated,” while everyone else seems to believe that if you're not on the far left you're a problem and white supremacist. The divide is big. It feels like I’m drowning in a sea of people who don’t respect my opinions or my right to believe differently. I’ve tried talking to a few people about it, but each conversation ends in me feeling more isolated. Every time I express anything I'm labelled wrong or my aspirations are crushed. My religious goals? They get crushed. My opinions? Crushed. Pro-life? Wrong. Love for my nation? Racism. I want to join the Air Force? Misogyny. I have (mostly) male friends? Sexism. I think some girls are attractive? Bigotry. Praying? Ultranationalist religious-zealot.

The labels hurt. They bring me down over time.

I’m stuck. I can’t change who I am, but it feels like my faith and beliefs are forcing me into complete isolation. I’ve tried to stay strong, but I feel like I’m at the edge. I'm still holding strong, but I've called upon everyone I can to help me. Family, relatives, old friends who I see now and then who align with Catholicism and my politics, people at my local church, and others. I don’t want to keep hiding who I am, but it’s exhausting when I’m in a harsh and brutal fight every day just to keep my sense of self and not lose my authenticity. The loneliness is vivid, and I feel like I’m walking through this social climate like a black sheep.

Has anyone been through something similar? How did you handle being different in a place that doesn’t understand you? I appreciate all the help I can get. I’m hoping someone out there can offer advice because right now, I’m lost. I am lost.

Thanks for reading. God bless you and have a great day.