I need help! I think I might be depressed. What do I do?

Question

I'm a 22 year old female and I'm very unhappy with myself. I go to college, but I do very poorly! I can't seem to grasp any information or find any interest in the classes I take. I'm on academic probation. It feels like I'm going nowhere and I have no clue what I want to go to school for? I'm so lost!
I work at a supermarket and I HATE my job. I know that's why I'm going to college to get a better job, but as I said I have no clue what I want to go to school for?
I've been sluggish, tired and bummed out lately. It feels that no one has time to talk to me. I know I could have it a lot worse, but I really wish to improve in school.
I don't mean to compare myself to my friends, but they're all in "happy" relationships and most of them are engaged. It makes me angry because I can't keep a relationship. I always find a way to chase the guy away.
It feels as if I'm just really bad at life! What can I do? I'm sick of feeling this way! Please help!

Answer 1

Most colleges offer free or reduced-cost mental health care as part of your tuition. Go to the health clinic and ask to be seen by a counselor (most are PhD candidates doing an internship, but they can be very helpful). I had similar troubles when I was a student, and did the same thing. It led to me getting meds and a (mis)diagnosis, but my disorder is a lot harder to diagnose than severe depression. I have Bipolar disorder, and despite the initial misdiagnosis of ADHD with "reactive depression", I would not be alive today if it hadn't been for those counselors at my school...

Answer 2

you should talk to a professional; either your regular doctor, or go see a mental health provider.
if you are depressed, then you need someone to talk to about it, and maybe even medication. do it now~the sooner you get help, the sooner you'll start feeling better.
talk to a counselor at school to see about your career goals, (maybe you just need classes that aren't as difficult for right now, so you can catch up)the counselor can help you to focus and sort out what it is you want for the long term.
i don't know what to tell you about your job except don't quit it, because you will get used to it eventually. it is only (hopefully) temporary until you get to what you really want to do with the rest of your life.
as far as the whole relationship thing goes, well that is a pain in the butt being single when everyone around you is all sweetness & light, but you will find your someone special someday and it will be really worth the wait.
good luck

Answer 3

You maybe depressed, but sounds like there could be another underlying illness, add, adhd, and or bipolar disorder. You probably should see a psychiatrist and a psychologist to get properly diagnosed and treated. You may want to take time off from school to stop any further bad grades because if you lack motivation. There are intensive therapy programs, which are outpatient which are effective in treating patients with severe depression.
There is help out in the world you just have to ask. With medicine and therapy the world does become clearer and you will be able to make better life decisions. You will also see where you want to lead your life and where your life is presently at.

Answer 4

Hi kelly,

it does sound like you have some signs of depression. I went through something very similar last year. I was very slugish, hated going to work, isolated my self from friends, ended up losing one... if you have medical insurance, i would consult you doctor. she/he can put you on some medication that can help. I was on lexapro, a combo for depression/anxiety. no side effects, not habit forming and see improvment in 3-4 days.

also, i read a book on depression, i forget the name of it now, i want to say "coping with depression" it gave a lot of insight to what it is, along with a self test to find out how severe the depression is.

Another thing to think about... if your university has a psychology department, often times they offer free counceling to students, the councelors are usualy students in the program, but they can also give you more insight than anyone in here can.

i hope you start feeling better,

Answer 5

If you have been feeling this way for more than 2 weeks I would suggest taking some action. You may want to start trying some nutritional ways to feel better to start off with. One is start taking Omega 3 fish oil capsules. These are a mood stabilizer and really will help. It also helps in mood swings fro premenstrual times. Another supplement would be St. Johns Wort, a natural anti depressant. I would give these 6 weeks and if not feeling any improvement , you might see your doctor for a referral. Also look at your life and make some lists of things that you really want to do and set goals for yourself . You are the only one who can nurture yourself. Take the time to listen to yourself and make changes if needed. Take care and Be happy!

Answer 6

you'll be right.

Upgrade your job, you can still be a checkout chick, you don't need anymore skills if you work at Just Jeans or Sportsgirl or whatever, and it would be slightly more interesting than a supermarket!

Have a long hot bath every night and get to bed early for a couple of weeks running. Drink green tea.

You'll get over it. Everyone feels down every now and then.

Answer 7

There are 2 considerations here.. one involves reduced oxygenation to the brain, the other being the lack of specific vitamins in your dietary.. All that just for starters. But, if there is a sensation of foggy thinking, is pretty suggestive of the former. May want to have it checked out..also, check with health food store and find what vitamins will help with the clearer thinking.

There may be other symptoms you are not mentioning also. Correct?

Answer 8

Please review the following symptoms and if you answer "yes", to five, you are suffering from depression and should see a clinical psychiatrist.

One who will sincerely care about you and have your very best interest at heart. You don't want a psychiatrist, who will just pull out his/her prescription pad and write your and RX. for anti-depression drugs. You want a psychiatrist will listen to you and help you find the root cause of your depression and then find alternative solutions to rid you of the cause without the use of drugs.

1. markedly diminshed interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day, nearly every day (as indicated either b y subjective account or observation by others of apathy most of the time).

2. significant weight losos, or weight gain when not dieting (e.g., more then 5% of body weight in a month), or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day.

3. insomnia or hypersommnia nearly every day.

4. psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day (observable by others, not merely subject feelings of restlessness or being slowed down).

5. fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day.

6. feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt (which may be delusional) nearly every day (not merely self-reproach or guilt about being sick).

7. diminished ability to think or concentrate,m or indecisiveness, nearly every day (either subjective account or as observed by others.

8. recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide.

If having read the above symptons and you have answered "yes", to atleast five, please seek good professional help, like the kind of doctor I mentioned above to you.

Perhaps you may only need to speak with the academic school advisor an ascertain what courses will make you happy. An if you hate your job, look for another one that you will enjoy and have a quality life.

Wish you all the best.

Clinical Psychiatrist, France

Answer 9

Relax.
Talk to a school counselor, can you afford to change majors at this time?
All the other stuff will come out in the wash so to speak.

Good Luck

Answer 10

Talk to your school counselor. If your school gives free psychological counseling (mine gives 10 free sessions), you can schedule an appointment with your school psychologist as well.