Imagine moving away from everything: your family, your dogs, your boyfriend, your best friends. For “normal” people, that would make them sad, but they would learn to live with it. However, with depression, life can be described as having no desire for hope. People have described depression as treading in a black pool of water with no gain. Throwback to my younger days, and Jack’s Mannequin describes it as, “Have you ever felt alone in a crowded room?” But, there is hope. Even though in college, you have to rebuild your support system, there are different ways to give depression the boot.

Be social.

Even if it kills you to get out of bed. Go sit with a group of people. When I feel down, I go and sit in the sorority house. Sometimes I might not even talk, but being around people who are positive helps me be more positive.

Sometimes YOU need to come first.

I am the type of person that tries to always put others before myself. But sometimes you have to remember why you’re here. It’s OK to say no sometimes. It’s OK to say, “You know what, I don’t really want to do that.” It’s OK to stay in bed sometimes and watch Netflix all day. You do you, Boo Boo!

Find your support system.

I struggled with this a lot at the very beginning of school. Once I realized that people mess up sometimes, I found my support system. My sorority sisters are and always will be my support system. If that means walking into their room at 3 a.m. and just having them hold you while you cry, more power to you. Find the people that will be there for you, whenever and wherever you need them.

Stay healthy.

This is true for anyone in college. Nothing is worse than being sick, being depressed and wanting to go home. If you eat regularly (and not just junk) and drink lots of water, you’re more likely to help maintain your physical and mental health.

Get help.

Coming to college was a huge wakeup call for me. I thought, “I’m an adult. I can handle this. I don’t need anyone else’s help.” I was wrong. It took me eight months to realize that I can’t do it alone. As much as it hurts, it is OK to break down and say you need help. It doesn’t make you any lesser of a person. It helps you get the true “you” back.

Ultimately, you’re in college for an education. Don’t let a dumb mental illness block you from being the best person you can be.

Depression, don’t let the door hit you where the good Lord split you!