It may happen the first time you fail an exam. Maybe the boy you're crazy about breaks your heart, or maybe someone close to you dies. Whatever the cause, hitting a low point in college is much different than hitting a low point in high school, or at any other point in your life so far.

Most of the time, being away at school is a beautiful and exciting experience. There are thousands of people to meet, tons of new things to try, and so much fun to be had. It feels so liberating to be living on your own and making important decisions for yourself. With the passing of a semester or even just a few months, you start to think you've got this whole "adult" thing figured out.

That is, until something happens.

Something unexpected knocks you off your feet and leaves you breathless. Something that makes you feel alone and helpless and confused. Suddenly, you feel nothing like an adult. You're once again just a kid, on your own, struggling to regain your balance in a world tipped upside down.

And suddenly it becomes painfully clear that home, and all the small comforts that accompany it, are far away. You can't react to bad news the same way you used to. Your mom isn't waiting in the other room to give you a hug. You can't show up at your best friend's door to eat ice cream and watch movies. You can't drive to your favorite spot at the edge of town and blast music for hours on end. The beautiful and exciting world of college becomes dark and lonely and foreign.

Although you've gone through hard times before, nothing will compare to this time. It may hurt more than you are used to. It may take longer to recover. It may feel as if no one really understands your struggle. And all of this is okay.

Whether it lasts a day or several weeks, you are allowed to have a low point; you are allowed to not feel like yourself. It is okay to cry in the middle of the library because you are overwhelmed. It is okay to spend a weekend at home with your dog. It is more than okay to talk to a counselor or to ask for help.

Give yourself some credit. Although college is fun, it is also endlessly stressful and demanding. Adding disappointment or tragedy to the mix is enough to leave anyone exhausted. Not only are you finding new ways to handle your pain and move on, you're simultaneously taking care of yourself and working harder than ever in school. Sometimes being an adult means acknowledging the scared child inside of you and living life anyway. You are doing amazing and should be so proud.

Please remember that you are NOT alone in this. Remember that all you need to do is your best. Most importantly, remember that this low point will not last forever. You've had high points before and you will have high points again. This I can promise.