I know you've probably read similar articles before by an Ivy League freshman, who resides in a lavish dorm room, or in an apartment within walking distance talk about college depression. Or maybe you've read an article written by a university student five-hundred miles from home talking about how he or she only has $1.67 in their account, that it's only Tuesday and they don't get paid until Friday. It doesn't matter--you've read this story before. But I URGE you, please, please talk to someone.
College depression is real. I've been there before, where you are now. I've had only $1.67 in my account and still needed money for gas, food, school items, etc. I've been there. It's one of the most hopeless feelings I've ever felt. I felt like I was letting everyone around me feel sorry for me. I always felt like everyone around me had it better than me. None of this was made better by the fact that I had scholarship requirements to keep my grades up and maintain a full schedule at all times. On the side, I was working as many hours as I could, because I paid for everything I owned (and I still do). And you know what? I was still being told I could do better. HA! What more could you ask for from an 18-year-old?
It was hard then, and it's still hard. I think it's funny because you see these people in positions that are able to influence others telling masses of people that "depression ends," because I'm here to tell you, depression is a human emotion that cannot be eradicated. As a human being, you will always feel depression during different times in your life. There is no "cure" for depression. As much as I'd like to stray away from the topic of depression, it's imminent. Finding your own happiness is the only way to combat depression. Let me say it again: finding your own happiness is the way to combat depression.
Depression is a response to hopelessness and stress. If you're happy, you're not what depressed, stressed, angry, sad, anxiety ridden? Finding happiness is a niche you can run to if you can manage to unlock the door. The door being a metaphor, of course, but unlocking that door gives you a mental map of where, when and what you need to find the road to your own destiny. BUT nevertheless, I didn't go to school for math, I can't solve a quadratic equation, or change a flat tire, so what do I know? Just know that I, a work in progress, a brother, an uncle, a son, a server, a nerd, a musician, a driver of a crappy thirteen-year-old car, a college student, someone like you, know what you are experiencing. Hang in there; we are in this together, on the search for the key to unlock the door.
