Religious Retreat, Need Help To Cope?

[psychotherapy404]

Okay, So I joined this local church group and thought I'd make friends, this was two months ago. On the first day they were talking about signing up for this spring retreat. I figured I'd make friends by then, and since I rarely go anywhere my parents immediately signed me up. They've already paid $200+ for this weekend retreat. I know almost nothing about it. I haven't made a single friend at all, no one talks to me and i've missed 3 meetings, been late to one. I have social anxiety, but unfortunately my appointment to get meds (for the first time) isn't until a week AFTER the retreat. It's a 3 hour drive there, in a car full of kids i don't know at all. All I know is that they have a water slide and canoes, but i am afraid of both of them. They have a cafeteria but one day is pizza day and im really lactose intolerent, I have no way to get out of this, can someone tell me how to get through this weekend please? I'm 16. we are allowed to have our phones. I'm taking 1mg of Ativan before we start the drive because long car rides make my anxiety horrible. (The appointment i have after is for antidepressants) Please give me some ways of making it through this weekend!
At the meetings I usually sit on the swings and listen to music.
At dinner I never eat (Eating disorder and lactose intolerance)
We have one meeting left before the retreat and it's tomorrow
What can I do to get through this weekend easily? please any advice is appreciated. Also, I am not religious at all, my parents put me in the group hoping I would become more social.
I'm Home Schooled, quiet and tend not to speak unless spoken to.
I am depressed and have sever social anxiety.
There will be lots of religious sermons and bands
They have canoes which i hate, and a water slide that i am deathly afraid of and will not try.
Should I just find a place to hide away this whole trip? It's three days long, I have four cell phone batteries and they'll have chargers in the cabins. I have a bluetooth headset. I have no friends to text.
Luckily I never get home sick, I just won't want to be there. But i wont go calling mommy and daddy. I keep my problems to myself. I just need to know some creative ways to survive this trip without having multiple panic attacks and being afraid of everyone and everything. Thank you so much to anyone who takes the time to answer this! :)

[Old_Geezer]

Discuss with adults organising the retreat and with your parents. Also learn to take a deep breath and speak to others, play act not being bashful until you know those you have spoken to and consider them friends.

[Joanelle123]

Would u feel able to speak to the leaders of the group. Someone esp the leaders really needs to know your situation. I pray that when you say no one talks to you that does not include the leaders. For a start i will be praying for you. Would you try talking to jesus yourself - even if as you say you r not 'religious', he is there for you and will listen.

[beso]

From the description of your anxieties, I wonder if you are on the autism spectrum.

Research autism and see if it sounds like you. I expect that there would be many resources. Even if you aren't autistic, some of their coping strategies might work for you.

I have a touch of autism myself and it can be both a blessing and a curse. Dealing with it is about making the most of the blessing while using coping strategies when you feel out of your depth.

When stressed during social situations just emulate what other people do. If you can't manage that then just nod and smile. Most people can't tell the difference between someone having a good time and someone pretending to. If you don't say much but pleasant, some will find you interesting and "mysterious".

Whatever you do don't come across as disgruntled. People don't like that.

And do give people a go. You might not have much in common with them but you would be surprised if you went looking.

[andres]

You come over as being a literate , expressive girl with a good understanding of all your problems. Pack all those problems away, just go for it and have a good time. No-one knows how you are feeling inside. put a brave face on , talk to the other kids and for goodness sake come out of the shell that you seem to have cocooned yourself in. Once you have taken those first steps you will surprise yourself. Have a fantastic time!!!!