Dealing with depression or mourning a loved on top of being stressed in school is hard to go through on any level.
I personally have dealt and struggled with this during my college career, especially after my grandfather passed away. I felt alone, and ashamed that I didn’t feel like myself. I thought I was constantly disappointing people and slept constantly as a way of coping with it. I didn’t want to bring it up with my parents because I thought they wouldn’t believe me or think I was just exaggerating. Finally, a friend of mine talked about how they go and talk to the on-site therapist at school and I thought, “If they can do it, I can build up the courage to go talk to someone too.”
You think you could be fine dealing with something like this on your own, but there comes a time when you just feel the lowest of the low; when the things that bring you joy aren’t cutting it, and you realize that you need some sort of intervention in your life. Truth is, many of those around you are dealing with this in someway; no matter where you are, you’re not alone and there is always someone willing to help you.
Some methods that have helped to cope with my depression are dancing, yoga, and therapy. The most effective one at the moment, though, is the medicine prescribed to me by my doctor. As much as I would rather not be on pills, they help balance me out because I have difficulty doing it on my own. If you are reading this and you feel this way, trust me, don’t be afraid to talk to someone. Don’t be afraid to go and get help. If your university provides free therapy, utilize it. You don’t know how good it feels for someone to look at you and validate how you are feeling; to make you feel like you aren’t crazy.
If you’re reading this and you’re in high school, talk to a guidance counselor. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to a therapist or a guidance counselor, there are many resources online and chat rooms that cater to those who just need someone to talk to. Feeling Kinda Blue is dedicated to being a support group for those dealing with depression and have multiple discussion boards on coping techniques. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is open 24/7 and is ready to talk to you if you have suicidal thoughts or if you are in emotional distress.
If you do feel like you have suicidal tendencies, call 1-800-273-8255. I know it can be hard to open up, but once you do to the right people, it just feels like a huge weight is lifted off of your shoulders. We all can get through this, together.