College is supposed to be the time of our lives: having free time, being able to make our own decisions, going to parties… it’s supposed to be great, but that doesn’t always seem to be the case. Sometimes we find ourselves in a rut. We become bored. There are a hundred and one things to do on and around campus, but sometimes… it just doesn’t appeal. Nothing sounds entertaining. Nothing sounds fun. So, we continue following the same routine over and over again. Other times, we find ourselves not knowing how to use our extra time, so we end up watching Netflix all day, which isn’t a bad thing, until you start feeling depressed because you “haven’t been productive.” It is also very common for students to feel homesick or depressed. Classes are dumping loads of assignments on you, and now you are ready to pull your hair out. It is no wonder that college students often get so depressed.

USA Today College reports that in 2016, almost half of all college students in the United States reported feeling hopeless. About sixty percent of college students have reported feeling lonely, which is often a sign of depression. What’s even more terrifying is the statistic that one in every twelve students has thought of a suicide plan. That is terrifying.

I’ve been battling depression and anxiety for several years now. I am medicated, and I talk to a professional psychologists once every couple of months. I have become very familiar with how it feels to be depressed while attending college, and it can be very difficult. There were times where I couldn’t even get out of bed in the morning. I felt stupid. I felt like I couldn’t keep up in my classes. I felt like I wasn’t accomplishing anything. I felt like I wasn’t making friends, and I was becoming afraid of being around people, in general.

I am now in my Junior year of college, my GPA is at it’s highest since I’ve started. I still have social anxiety, but I am able to go out and try interacting with others through the help of my friends. I truly believe that I was able to get where I am today because of the activities I experienced and the people I have met along the way.

This is a message to anyone who is struggling in college right now or anyone who might worry about becoming depressed while in school. College is hard. It is not like high school, that’s for sure. I experimented with different activities and trying new things, and I really felt that these things made me happy. I found what I liked, and it really aided me when things got hard. Here is a short list of things that you can do to try and feel happy when you are in college:

1.Visit a Therapist

Most colleges and universities have them, and more often than not, they’re free. Utilize those opportunities. They are professionals. They are not there to laugh at you. They are there to listen to your problems, and provide guidance.

2. Call/Skype Family and Friends

Sometimes, we get a little homesick. We miss our parents. We miss our friends. We miss our dog, and hey, maybe we miss our siblings too. Most family and friends are just a phone call away.

3. Try to Eat Healthy

This one can be tricky, but when we eat well, we feel well. When we eat junky foods, we often get lethargic. Many of us will often use food to fill a void when we’re feeling sad, but that can lead to weight gain, which can make you feel depressed (I speak by experience).

4. Go to the Gym

This is another tricky one for some of us, but working out is a great way to burn off all of the stress from that Bio lab you just came from or that Psychology exam you just took.

5. Go for a Walk Around Campus

I love to walk around campus. It is so relaxing, especially during the fall. The sun is hot, but the breeze is nice and cool. The sights are beautiful, and it can be a simple change of pace that makes you feel better.

6. Take a Nap

I don’t recommend doing this too much because sometimes we just decide it’s not worth getting out of bed. We tell ourselves, “it’s too comfy.” However, napping can be a good way to recharge our batteries after or between classes. Just remember to set an alarm.

7. Try an Exercise Class with Friends

If you’re like me, you probably feel really anxious when around new people or large amounts of people, but that’s where friends come in. Your friends are there for. Remember that. Ask them if they would be willing to try and exercise class with you. Nothing is more fun that dancing around like a moron in Zumba with a good friend.

8. "First Friday"

If you are around a city or town, you may have experienced “First Friday.” “First Friday” is an event that occurs the first Friday of every month. Around most cities, they have celebrations where there are tons of art, music, and food vendors. Cities are beautiful at night. The lights and sounds of the city can be very relaxing.

9. Go to a Movie

This isn’t always the cheapest option, but it is fun, and it is a nice break from studying, whether you go to a theater, watch a free movie on campus, or stream Disney movies on your laptop.

10. Find an Event on Campus

Most college campus have a large variety of events that students can partake in. My campus has different events weekly, from comedians coming in to bingo games where you can win prizes.

11. Listen to Music

This is my go to when I feel depressed. I just like to plug in my headphones and shut down for awhile, and you don’t just have to listen to cheerful songs all the time, either. You can also listen to songs that are angry or sad, and allow the hard feelings that you are feeling to relate to those that you are listening to.

College can be difficult, there is no denying that, but there are ways to be happy too. Most importantly, we need to be open about our feelings, no matter how awkward it may seem. There are always people who are willing to listen. Find those people and tell them how you feel. Don’t hold it all inside. Share your feelings. Be happy.