Am i depressed or am i just going through a "twenties" phase?

Question

I'm a college student in my 20's and i just realize that there are more things in life

- i'm "tired" of my life: i want something MORE - bigger and better things, i'd rather travel the world than go to parties every weekend
- i'm sick of the "in crowd" and "cliques": i hate people that are soo exclusive and that are into hanging with the same, large group of people every weekend at parties - i only want to spend time with "important" people to me: close friends and family
- i dread school: i feel like i've accomplished nothing in school and badly want to be done soon...it's the most discouraging thing for me right now - and i'm in college by the way...
- i don't like going to the mall as much anymore: there are way too many people on the weekends, teeny boppers are EVERYWHERE and annoy me so much - and no offense, but i see a lot of peoplei know, and i want to shop in peace - i'm not in the mood to talk
- i long for independence...

so am i depressed? or just growing up?

Answer 1

This is normal. I can certainly relate. I'm in university and often I feel the same way.

Basically the things that annoy you annoy everyone... people hate teeny boppers, they hate the same ole same ole ALL the time. Mix things up... hang out with people you want to, don't feel pressured to do anything except your schoolwork. People understand. You're not depressed... you're just in a normal rut. It sounds dumb but getting a new hobby or starting to exercise, or really doing ANYTHING new might give you a new view on your life. Recently I got to know a guy in one of my classes... we studied for exams together and I went places on campus I've never been before... talking to him was new and different and I even met other people thru him. Even making one new friend can make your life seem a lot more exciting.

Don't be pressured to "fit in". I gave up on cliques in high school. I know who my true friends are and I don't pretend to like people I don't (unless it's really in my best interest). Don't waste time or energy on crap you hate.

Get a new job... you'll have money, a way to take up time, and meet new people. There really are a ton of things you can do. Just realize no matter how crappy college seems now you are truly lucky to be there (I've had to remind myself of this fact a lot), and you will have a good job after you finish.

You'll be fine.

Answer 2

Depression involves a sense of hopelessness. It sounds like you're definitely hopeless and cynical. And I understand the feeling. I'm entering grad school and I don't know how much more I can take. I'm not learning anymore; everything is just review and busywork. I want to travel too but I'm stuck at home reading with no money except loans. I also hate cliques and I'm tired of crowds and noise! I want close friends of the same sex that I can talk to about real things, not stupid superficial stuff like what people are wearing. And I'm sick of formalities, especially. I wish people would just say what they meant and get it out already. I'm tired of people feigning politeness but never really listening to others or talking for real. It's a social depression, really. I guess we gotta look for the good things in life (there are some, I guess). But yeah, life's rough. If you find a better antedote, let me know :]

Answer 3

Hummm, nope you're right on track on growing up. You've realized what is really important. Now you need act on that realization.

Friends and Family are very important but school is important as well. I felt the same way when I was in college, I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life.

Majored in Computer Science, about the only thing I was decent at. Now at the nice ripe age of 36, I still have not clue what I want to do. Like you I want to travel the world (and have) but it takes money to do that. If you want to fulfill part of your dream, finish school, you won't be sorry, I promise you.

My last thought, something I learned the hard way is, you need to really figure out who your true friends are. Ditch the needy "users", the ones who suck the life out of you.

Answer 4

Dude, I'm going through all that and feel hopeless. I can't even see myself living past my 30s. Maybe things will work out, but I feel like breaking every rule I grew up under. This isn't regular depression. I've just realized how disillusioned I was growing up and pretty upset. People I care about have more or less forgotten that I was ever in their lives. Family is growing apart; everything is just ****.

Answer 5

I don't think you're depressed. I think you have just reached the point in life we all do, where we begin to outgrow the things from our teens.

You are realising now that there is a big wide world out there for you to discover and enjoy. You are finding your own hopes and dreams, and striving to reach them.

I have found my 20's to be very eye-opening, and have experienced similar feelings to what you tak about. They will come and go over time, and eventually you will find your comfort zone.

Answer 6

I would say that you are going through frustration while growing up, Its natural, all good thingss take time. finish school so you have a foundation, then start meeting people more your speed, They are there at college to, life will start going faster way to soon dont rush it.

Answer 7

I think you are growing up. that cool and fine. all i can say is do your thing and who care what other things. it's your life and live it ok. if you were depressed then you wouldnt want to get out of bed or anything. but you are just growing up that about it. so good luck

Answer 8

Its jus purely growing up factor