Depression hurts, like really bad.

As a fellow college student, I understand how stressful it is to do well in school along with work, social life, and other projects. Since you are young, you’re still learning to control your emotions and you are getting used to having a busier schedule. A difficult and new lifestyle like this can trigger extra stress and eventually lead to depression.

Remember, you’re not in this alone.

You don’t have to deal with your personal struggles by yourself and there is always help if you need it. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not a sign of weakness.

There are many people to go to if you need help with personal issues. You can ask your roommate, a classmate, friends, your parents, and even your professors can help make a strange place feel more friendly and comfortable. Sharing your emotions reduces isolation and helps you realize that you are not alone.

Another way to help to cope with your depression is to participate in an extracurricular activity. It can be sports, theater, student newspaper, greek life-- whatever interests you. These can bring opportunities to meet new people who have the same interests and bring on new friendships.

You can also try some relaxation methods to help yourself heal. Meditation, warm baths, long walks, exercise, listening to music-- whatever you enjoy that helps you to destress and make you feel happy. Take some time out of every day for yourself. Even if it’s only for 15 minutes a day.

Focusing on yourself can be energizing and gives you a feeling of purpose and control over your life.

In the end, remember to seek assistance if you need it and remember to take your recovery one step at a time. You didn't become depressed overnight, and you won't recover overnight either.

Unless you keep things simple, you run the risk of becoming overwhelmed by the bigger picture. So try to take each new challenge as it comes without looking too far ahead or making too many big changes all at once. Be kind to yourself and try to avoid turning every mistake or disappointment into a major failure.

Even after college, depression can come back and be a real pain in the ass and force us to confront the way we treat ourselves. So start developing the habit of being patient with yourself and accepting that setbacks may happen sometimes in spite of your best efforts.

In the words of Forrest Gump, “S*** happens.” Don’t give up on yourself and if you ever fall down, get right back up and keep walking. Depression and failures do not define you. How you respond to it is what defines you.