Dealing with depression in college?

Question

I'm a 20 yo college student and I have severe depression. It mainly comes from a serious case of social anxiety that I've had my entire life. I've spent the last two years trying to turn my life around but it just hasn't worked. I've tried joining clubs, and meeting new people, but i've never really connected with anybody. Being a loner sucks, and i don't see anyway out. The depression doesn't make things better. It's a huge struggle to just get out of bed in the morning. I'm always tired, always anxious about something, and constantly stressed out. I've tried therapy and medication. It helps a little bit, but not much. I really don't want to have to deal with these problems for the rest of my life, but i can't find a way to solve them. Anybody have a solution?

Answer 1

it's too bad therapy and medication only helped a "little bit".  are you sure you gave them both a fair chance?  did you take the therapy sessions seriously?  perhaps you just didn't click with your therapist.  i've worked for a psychiatrist for well over 4 years now and meds and therapy are ALWAYS what's prescribed for depression.  a lot of people don't like therapy because they have to get honest and take a good, hard look at themselves, face some things they may not want to face.  you've tried other ways of getting yourself out there (clubs, etc.) but that hasn't worked.  i think you should give therapy another try, and take it really seriously because you want to feel better.  you have to let the people who do this for a living help you and listen to what they have to say and suggest for you.  good luck.

Answer 2

hi. i just asked a similar question a mim ago im not happy your depressed but it just feels really nice that im not the omly one going through it i think i would find it so much easier if i had someone like you to talk to because you now what its like instead of people telling usoh its gonna be alright ill help you get through it its doesnt help if they dont now what their talking about. if i dont hear from you i hope you feel better.bye

Answer 3

Hi friend, dont feel bad, it is not end of the world.  You still young, still have a long way to go.

I know it is not a good feeling, but, you must try harder and push yourself, may be you can try do some exercise, evening in the evening, like walking or swimming, is good for your health.  When you exercise, it will keep your mind occupied.  At home, get  on line to chat with some one.  Do somthing differents.  Hang in there and good luck :)  

Answer 4

First, one question.  You are not drinking or taking street drugs.  If you are,  please try to stop now.  I used to drink heavily.  I will tell you what happened.   Drinking just aggrevates depression..

Years ago, when I was in college, I was diagnosed with depression.  This was after I went on a drinking binge one weekend.  I was in my early twenties  I almost poisoned my self.  After hugging the toilet for several hours, I finally passed out.  My wife (then girl friend) stuck it out with me, watching to make sure that I didn't do something else to hurt myself.  I was out for 18 hours.

It was a wake up call for me and I sought professional help. That is when he said that I might be depressed.  I only say him a few times and then got back into my routine.  I did keep busy with school, extracurricular activities, a job, and my relationship with my wife.  It helped a bit but something was just not right.

That is over 30 years ago.  I got treatment and was occassionaly put on meds off and on during those years.  But I never stuck with it.  Each time a depressive episode occurred, I found  my self yo-yoing.  I would get better, thinking it was okay to stop therapy and counseling.  The next episode started to become worse than the last.

Fast forward.  I finally hit the wall about 4 years ago.  After trying to hurt myself, I was placed in protective custody.  Basically, this forced me to get help and allowed me to just see how bad things were.  It took time but I am now in counseling and we have found a good combination of meds.  

I have always been a Christian though my faith would be on a roller coaster.  This occurrence caused me to realize just how important God is in my life.  I didn't want His help sometimes.  However, He has always been and will always be there for me.  Reading the Bible, meditation, and being active with church has really put me over the top.  It is never too late to try this.  One could seek out clergy in the community for someone to  talk to or to get some counseling.  There may even be some activity at a church that caters to college students, a good place to meet and make friends.

Now I am going back to college this fall.  I have a new direction in my life.  No, I am not quite the same as before.  I have come to realize a paradym shift in want is normal for me.  I can not  quite go back to work full time.  I am, though, taking  this opportunity to get my life back on track.

The best advice I can give to you is to not wait like I did.  You have the rest of your life ahead of you.  I lost so many years to unhappiness.  Get some help now while the problem may be easier to solve.  Get professional help to put a plan together and stick with it.

God bless.  Prayers that the rest of your education is successful.  Go with the grace of God.