Gradually over the last couple weeks, I've found myself feeling so run down, so alone and anxious and upset; it's nervewracking.

I thought a day off of classes would help. No.

I thought a visit from my wonderful, loving, boyfriend would help. No.

I thought indulging in foods that make me happy would help. No.

I thought taking a nap in the afternoon would help. No.

Everything I can think of to make myself feel better is temporary and I'm still left with that dull, helpless feeling.

It is week three of the semester and I already feel so worn down and I have much more I have to do. It's almost scary to feel this way so early on in the semester.

I'm revisiting this roughly two weeks later and I've come to the conclusion as to the greatest impact on my depression is the people I'm surrounded by.

I was finally able to make the necessary changes to improve my mental health and my life as a whole and I feel so much better.

It can be so difficult to take those necessary steps to get there, but I can promise you this: if you can make those steps and have the courage and bravery to follow through and actually make it through that process, your life is going to get so much better.

Don't worry about what your friends think about it.

Don't worry about what your parents think about it.

Don't worry about other potential outcomes or reactions.

With all of that being said, it is okay to ask for help!

But remember, the only one you have to worry about is you.

While everyone is different and everyone's depression is triggered and affected by different things, who and what you're surrounded with is huge!