1. Find ways to vent your feelings.
Issues can be very stressful (especially on a college student), and sometimes the weight of your problems can make you feel like you have no energy to continue. Being a college student myself, the number one problem I come in contact with is venting my problems in a healthy manner. Whether it be in free counseling services at your school, or to a close friend whom may have similar issues, it is always important to come to peace with the past. Doing this may help you, and may help someone else come to terms with past experiences and help you grow into a more independent and well-rounded person.
2. Create a positive environment.
This sounds cliche, I know- but the worst thing you can do when feeling down is sink yourself into a more negative environment. Sure, being alone can be great sometimes, but eventually you're going to get to a point where you feel like a drag to everyone else around you. Be the girl with so many friends that it's hard to make time for them all. Be the guy who makes great grades, but will skip an hour of studying to go have a beer with the guys. After all, school is only half of the experience of college.
3. Try keeping your mind distracted.
This can sometimes be the hardest step in going through problems. If you're like me, you like to think about the bad things in life when you have time to spare between classes and your next study group. In this time you start to realize why all of your childhood hobbies seemed like necessities to you- they made you HAPPY. They made you enjoy your time when you were alone and gave you a sense of encouragement and confidence. Keep these things close to your heart, because they may save you from a really horrible day.
4. Surround yourself with good company.
Surrounding yourself with good company DOES NOT mean it has to be a human being. If you have the option and money to do so, a dog or cat will suffice. Just something to give you the attention and compassion you need- Or when all else fails, Netflix is always the right answer.
5. Be graceful and forgiving.
I get that this can sound like mission impossible, but coming from someone who has dealt with a mess of pain and suffering, I can tell you it is very very hard, but not impossible. Someone may have done you so much wrong, but as I know at least 50% of the United States claim themselves as some type of Christian, I can tell you that Jesus forgave those who did him so much wrong, and in the bible it says to "love thy neighbor" and to forgive. You may never forget, but the willingness to forgive is a character trait that needs to be included in everyone.
You may be going through what seems like hard times, but after every hardship is a beautiful blessing ahead. Don't stop.
