You’ve heard it all your life, college is going to be one of the best experiences of your life. This is most definitely true but it’s not always going to be easy.

Many incoming freshmen are so taken by the newfound freedom and opportunity to be on their own for the first time but too often, don’t take into consideration that college can be brutal. You’re going to face big class sizes, learning a lot of information in a faster pace than you may be used to, and a lot of long nights studying. Letting all of these factors overwhelm you and not looking for ways to help yourself, can have unfortunate consequences. According to multiple statistics, it seems as though around 45 percent of college students report having symptoms of depression at some point during their college experience but here’s the kicker, 75 percent don’t seek help.

I was one of those people.

I didn’t want to get out of my bed to go to class, go to work, or see any of my friends. I faced major denial thinking that nothing was wrong with me but then my friends reached out to me and told me that I should take a trip to the on-campus health center. When I was diagnosed with depression, I started taking an anti-depressant, exercising more often, and tried to sit down with a counselor to work through everything going on. Now, I’ve finished my first year and am feeling so much better than when I started. Overcoming my depression made me feel stronger and I can only hope for you that it does the same.

So here’s some tips on how to handle depression in college:

Talk to Someone

Almost every single college campus has a health resource center or counselors to talk to if you’re feeling overwhelmed and they can provide multiple outlets for you to work on your situation.Also, talk to your friends! More than likely, they’ve recognized something different about you and letting them know what’s going on will allow them to step in if they notice your behavior slipping in the future.

Exercise

Get up and get moving. It may not seem like it would do much but it helps build up your energy. In the words of Elle Woods, “Exercise gives you endorphins and endorphins make you happy.” Many doctors recommend exercise instead of medications and counseling so if you’re feeling down and not ready to take on a full workout, g for a walk everyday and build up to it.

Plan Differently

Start organizing your to-do list in a way that gives you more time to get everything done so you’re not cramming to finish your list. Doing this will allow you to not get stressed out about school work and give you time to enjoy life without worry.

Get Involved

This is how I kept myself busy aside from school. I got a job and I also became really involved in a few organizations that I was passionate about. Go out there, find something you love, and dive in. Keeping yourself surrounded by a positive environment can do so much more for your well-being than you may have ever imagined.

Get a Pet

If you live on campus, this may not be the most feasible option but many college campuses have a pet store or comfort animals close by that you can visit to de-stress with some puppy lovin’ for a little while. If you live off-campus in a house or apartment, you may consider getting a pet.I got my puppy a few weeks before finals and focusing my attention on raising her made all the difference. I’m also completely obsessed with her (pictured above), just ask anyone.

Take Care of Yourself

It seems like the easiest tip on this list but it can be so much harder than you might think. Something about going off to college can ruin your healthy diet and your bank account, for that matter. Next, try to stay away from drugs and alcohol because they only counteract the effort you’re putting in to feel better. Lastly, do your absolute best to get enough sleep during the day because it’ll keep up your energy and hopefully you won’t feel run down.

Live Well and Live Happy, my friends.