I feel like I have potential, but I'm a failure?

It sounds to me like you are experiencing feelings of depression. It's easy to look around at all the talented people of the world and feel like you're nothing in comparison, but keep in mind, that is not true at all! A few years back I was accepted into a University where the bar is set very high. EVERYONE was exceptional at something! I experienced a lot of the same feelings that you are dealing with now; I looked at myself and thought, "I can't sing, dance, or paint, I'm not a genius in math or science, I'm not nearly as athletic as a lot of these kids- what on earth am I doing here?!"

Here is what I learned: first of all, it is NEVER too late to learn something new, and you don't need lessons to learn how to do it. If you are interested in singing, see if you school has a choir club/class and join it. If that's not available, download some of your favorite songs and practice singing them. You don't have to be "a natural" to get good at something. I was 20 when I taught myself how to spray-paint. I had hardly ever drawn before, and one day after learning about it online I was like, "screw it. I'm gonna learn how to do this." So I practiced and taught myself A LOT, and now I'm pretty good! Just pick something you like, and GO FOR IT!

Second, not all talents and abilities are visible. After a few years in University I learned that what I'm really good at is working with people. Other kids I know are amazing at listening to other people's problems, providing comfort, cheering people up, etc. These abilities aren't something you can physically see, but they are so important!

Finally, if you are really feeling alone and struggling, try to get help! See if your school has a counselor that you can talk to, or talk to someone you trust about what you are feeling! You are never as alone as you think! Above all, don't give up!!

I know how you feel. I have an IQ of between 175-180. Depending on which test was administered, and on what day. I am a middle aged woman, and my greatest accomplishment is having 6 children. Since finding out my IQ score I went through a period of depression,(for not doing more with my life) until I remarried. My husband is supportive and has encouraged me to go back to college. Since doing this, my depression has left, and I have a much more positive outlook on life. It is never too late to do something with your life. It is only after the Grim Reaper has visited is it too late! I suggest setting goals for yourself. Make a life plan for yourself, and how you want to get there. Have a one yr goal, 5 yr goal and a 10 yr goal. School is not the only means to expand ones education. Have you tried yoga, meditation, Tai Chi or progressive relaxation? I know those can help one focus and lead a more peaceful life. If there is anything you are interested in, there are usually multiple sources to gain information. Books, video's and the internet. And lastly, don't judge yourself against anyone else. Everyone is different.

Well clearly you can write and spell and use punctuation, so at least you CAN do something. You know that TV and video games are making you detached, so simply shut off the TV. You would be amazed at how much you don't miss it. You know how to use a computer, and you know ehow and youtube have tons of videos, so you can learn how to draw or sing or you can learn tennis from watching videos. You can walk laps around the block, that would be better than being around a family that drags you down. You seem to comprehend your family is the problem. The search answers feature on this site has a ton of information on Narcissistic personality disorder, so research that. The part where you say I can't, I can't, I can't comes from being around an abusive family, so you need to be spending time with your classmates families so you learn a better way to be. It wouldn't hurt to become a fan of Joyce Meyer, you can watch her on the internet as well as TV and your local library should have her books. I would try to get into tennis or kickboxing, running, dancing, swimming, even if you did the dancing in your room, the physical activity would get rid of anger and help the serotonin go from your head back to your gut. Go to polls and surveys and answer questions so you get good at answering random questions and write down fun ones to ask your friends. Most churches these days have really active youth groups especially Christian churches, so you might look into that. Join clubs at school to get around your parents. You can do anything you want to, you just need to start getting away from your narcissistic family and get around people who will mentor you and nurture you. Chase your own dreams.

Honestly, I think you should go speak to your school counselor because its sounds like you need someone to talk to on a daily basis. In my opinion, I think you should lose your whole negative attitude because its currently affecting your life. We are not born as talented as others but first find out what your interests are and you'll be able to discover your talent/hobby. You say you have trouble connecting with people but sounds like your putting a shield up therefore your blocking the only way that someone can form a connection. You need a mentor because first you need to stop calling yourself a failure because your just eating yourself alive. Try redirecting your thoughts and making them more positive. Its pretty late and I hope your able to understand what Im trying to say. hope this helps. Smile because your young ! =)