You’re sitting in bed thinking about all of the exciting things that await you through the doors that are staring you in the face, yet there is no motivation to move. It is not that you’re tired, but more so unable to push yourself to participate in life.
Another class missed, another meal forgotten, another opportunity lost. Things are slipping from your fingertips; grades, friends, life. You can’t seem to get anything right, and to be honest you don’t want to.
The energy to care has drained from your body.
You feel weak all the time. Crying has become a routine part of your life. Your bed has become one of your only friends. You may not even know why any of this is happening, and that is the scariest part. People tell you to stop being so negative, and to try to look on the positive side – But, no one understands that you cannot help the way you feel.
It doesn’t sound fair that everyone else seems to be flying through life with a smile on their face, and you are struggling to even just be. I’m here to tell you you’re right, it is not fair at all. In fact, it sucks that you have to go through this, especially during college, when you are supposed to be having the time of your life.
Let me tell you something, this is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of strength and it is treatable. Depression is real and you are not crazy or alone.
The fact that you have been able to pull yourself together, put clothes on, do your assignments, eat your food–even if it is only some of the time–is something to be proud of. You are strong. You are brave. But, most importantly you are not alone and there are people here to help you.
It may not seem like it now, but things will get better. Trust me, I know that you have probably heard this a thousand times, and you’re sick of it, but it is the truth. There will be a day where you will wake up feeling something different… lighter. A smile or two may appear on your face and you will start believing.
It is hard to think that one day things might be different, because you have been struggling for so long. That is what makes you so unique; somehow, someway you have survived this long and there is a reason for that. You have a purpose in this world that is bigger than you could ever imagine.
You are worth so much more than your depression. You have so much going for you. You are are a wonderful, genuine, kind-hearted person, who deserves the world. From someone who has been where you are, once you believe in yourself and all you deserve, things will start changing.
Everything may be easier said than done, but if you don’t have a tiny bit of faith that things will change, it will be much harder to see them changing. As someone once said, “You were given this life because you are strong enough to live it.”
Change is overwhelming, but there are small things you can do to start the process.
Wake up in the morning and remind yourself that good things can and will happen. Get a coffee or tea, because they make everything better. Go for a walk, fresh air does wonders. Make a playlist of your favorite songs, and listen to it on repeat. Music can heal the soul. Hug a dog or cat, it is an automatic stress reliever.
Talk to your friends, they may not seem sympathetic at first or say the wrong things, but that is probably because they don’t know how you feel. They are your friends and they will stand by you through all of life’s ups and downs, depression being one of those downs. Call your parents and tell them about everything, the good and the bad. If those don’t help seek out a professional, and they can help you. Most of all, believe in yourself. Believe in your smile, your dreams, your goals, and everything life has to offer.
You can do this. You will do this.