Depression in college is unfortunately very common. College will change you in many ways. I believe, mentally not all of us are ready for that. When I began college, I put a lot of pressure on myself. I began to focus on everyone else’s expectations of me instead of taking care of myself. In no way do I blame anyone for that. I can only blame society for teaching me hate, that the only reason to do something is for money, and that I am in a little bubble and the rest of the world doesn’t matter.

Freshman and sophomore year went well for me, and in everyone else’s eyes, I was doing just fine. For a really long time, I thought I was doing fine too. I had met lots of people, I was having fun, making good grades. I began going through the motions, but when something went wrong I was unable to handle it. I was stressed about money, I was stressed about grades, I was stressed about life. I felt lonely, hopeless and desperate. But like many people dealing with depression I put on my happy face, going through the motions. Dealing with my depression in college has and still is a learning experience. I did have suicidal thoughts often (they are rarer now) and at points, I am so unhappy with my life I wouldn’t mind if it ended. When these thoughts began I couldn’t understand why. I had a loving family, awesome friends, and tons of people supported me. College is the best time of my life, right?

College should be the beginning of the best times of your life. Have your own thoughts. Have your own opinions. Be kind. Make goals, find your purpose and be passionate about what you do. Think about why you are doing what you are doing. Are you just going out because everyone else does it? Are you not going out because you are putting so much pressure on yourself you have no time to breathe? Are you taking that chem class because your family wants you to be an engineer? Are you set on becoming a doctor because you want to save lives or because it has a pretty paycheck? Do you want to teach because it a secure profession or are you actually interested in inspiring people? Figure out why you are doing the things you do. Find something that makes you happy once a day and do it. Keep learning, and when something goes wrong try again. Be yourself. You are not the letters you wear, the mistakes you’ve made, your GPA. You are unique and you are a gift. This sounds like it is straight out of every "love yourself" speech there is, but I needed to hear this. I think all college students should hear these things.

College is a blessing; we are extremely lucky to be able to receive higher learning. Remember we are here to learn and develop new ideas. Respect each other, but most importantly, respect yourself.