It seems like everyone I talk too, whether it be friends or almost complete strangers, they’re battling with depression and anxiety or have in the past. Why is this? What is going on with this generation that’s causing this great epidemic that’s different than past generations, and social media can’t be all to blame.

I’ll admit, it has affected my life as well. There are many dark moments in my past and times I wished it all could of ended. Senior year of high school I thought I could never be happy again, even worse, I didn’t deserve to be happy. I remember thinking, why do I feel this way? Was I being punished? Was I meant to be sad? I had this dark cloud over me, but I couldn’t even explain fully myself why this was happening. Fortunately I found ways to cope from listening to music and talking about what's bothering me to a select few family and friends. I also have Disney to thank for helping me overcome this dark phase in my life, but it wasn't easy.

So I understand being in that sort of state is hard. And having someone tell you ‘just be happy’ is the absolute last thing you need or want to hear. We go throughout life being told to love ourselves and be filled with self-worth and self-confidence BUT not too much or don’t act too confident because then you’re seen as narcissistic and self-absorbed. Everyone is important, but just not too important. If you think you're smart or that your hair looks extra good today, that’s great, but just don’t let too many people know you feel that way about yourself. Be modest about your talents and abilities but not too modest and shy about them, because then you are seen as under confident and lacking self-esteem. It’s truly a never winning battle. And when you have those depressive thoughts on top of the everyday stresses and struggles that come with growing up and ‘finding yourself’ those feelings intensify.

I see and read countless articles that counseling centers at college campuses across America are all seeing a surge in students seeking help and guidance for anxiety. So much so that some aren’t able to seen by a qualified professional for at least a month. This isn’t just a small issue anymore that you can just tell young adults to ‘grow up’ and ‘get over it’. It is causing students from every background and every walk of life to not be able to function.

Our generation needs to stop focusing on bringing ourselves and others down, and start embracing that people are different, and don’t handle life and tough times the same way. We need so desperately to take a step back and learn how to cope. To realize sometimes we might fail; we might get a bad grade in a class or get rejected by that girl or guy, but it is in no way the end of the world. We need to learn to get back up and keep moving forward even if we encounter some setbacks. Life is hard, but it’s been hard for all the generations before us too, and just like them, Generation Y is strong enough and capable to overcome the hurtles and do great things.

So we need to stop beating ourselves up as a generation and just be kinder not only to each other, but ourselves too. If you give more people a chance, you really see we are much more alike than different. Everyone is dealing with his or her own personal problems and pasts. No one is perfect, even if that seems the case on social media. We need to stop fearing what others will think of our true selves and just work hard at being happy, not popular or liked.

Although I am well aware mental illness isn’t going anywhere, and so much more has to be done for this epidemic, but I just hope more help becomes available and allows people to see they are worth it, even if every part of your life doesn’t go as planned. That it’s okay to ask for help and you should never feel less than or ashamed for doing so. Because above anything else, generation Y deserves to be happy.