When it comes to your scoliosis you should feel no need to hide it. I know it can be hard on your self-esteem and make you concerned about your body image. I have severe scoliosis myself and I was diagnosed with it in the 5th grade just as you were. I've never hidden my scoliosis or any other serious medical condition from people, I feel they should accept it as part of your person and not ridicule you or anything because of it. Of course I know that's not the case always as some people are just going to not be understanding or even care. If your friends are ignoring you because you have a medical condition, then you're probably picking the wrong friends. That's something I've come to realize myself as I got older, and it's probably something you'll have to learn as well. Now is as good a time as ever. I must ask though, have you tried having conversations with them about why they're ignoring you? It is possible that they just don't know how to act around you and they're worried about you and just not showing it well.

About "feeling like myself" I really don't feel like it sometimes either. I know who I really am or should be rather but it's conditions like these that bring me down and out of my natural self. It sucks, but we can not change the ways our bodies were shaped. It must be accepted and the obstacles overcome the best they can be. Don't hide your scoliosis but also if you don't feel that someone needs to know then you're naturally within your rights to keep it to yourself too. Whatever helps you cope better.

It is challenging to manage with a brace for so long. My 13 yr old daughter found she had noone to talk to about her challenges and so joined the Curvy Girls support group. I'm sure when you find others who identify with you and you can comfortably speak about your challenges, it will definitely help you feel better. Although my daughter has great friends who accept her and her condition, generally people around her tend to forget that she wears a brace since they don't see it. I myself learned a lot when I heard my daughter discuss her difficulties with 2 other girls who wore a brace like her. So, educating others around you will help you become more confident in yourself and also raise awareness. Even out in the public when we see someone in a wheelchair or someone who looks different, our parents tell us don't stare. Sometimes we try to ignore since we don't want to hurt that person's feelings. Your friends maybe reacting similarly since they don't want to make you feel uncomfortable. When you are comfortable enough to wear that brace on the outside of your clothes, is when you truly feel comfortable with yourself. Even my daughter is just not there yet :) She is generally quiet and timid, but now has taken baby steps to talk more openly about her scoliosis and also start a local chapter of the Curvy Girls. This has been the best boost to her confidence. The best way to feel better about yourself would be to help others. Maybe you can find something that you are passionate about to give back to the community. Good luck!

i got my back brace in 5th grade going on to middle school im scared i feel im going to get made fun of whenever i have to go to gym i will have to have a teacher help me get the brace on and off .i dont wont that but i have to so i hope it helps even though i dont want to wear it.

Since scoliosis is part of you, you may change too. Or maybe your personality is just changing naturally. Dont worry its completely normal.
I was completely different like 6 years ago. I was always happy and had strong emotions, most of them were good. I was sort of a sanguine person, pretty much.

But now I am an anxious worrier, skeptic and a melancholic. Which isnt bad, because i am not a people person and never was. Always remember that the base of your personality (the most important thing about you) never changes. Because if it did, it wouldnt be important.

Just accept who you are now and acknowledge that YOU ALREADY ARE WHO YOU ARE. In fact everyone is always who they are. Unless you have split personality disorder, then it is more complicated. Lol

Just try being someone else now, you cant. If you have anxiety where as you hadnt any before, then let it be. I have anxiety in my life too and I accepted the fact that if you have anxiety, it is not changeable and will always prevail. No psychologist or therapeut can help with certain anxiety. Its like trying to die because youre afraid of death. It is normal being afraid of that.

It sounds more like you are anxious and sad because of scoliosis or some other thing. Hell, it even sounds like youre going to puberty. Trust me, you will change your personality during that time. Just focus on stupid stuff like school (and everyone else does) and try to gain some weight.

Oh and... if you dont like being around your friends anymore, just leave them and do something else thats more fun. It sounds like you are unhappy with your life. You dont jave to have as many friends as a boring "normal" person.

Seriously if you are anxious when around your friends, then just leave them. Dont answer phone calls, f*ck them! Rely on yourself more.