"These will be the best years of your life."

That is one phrase almost every college student hears as they begin their journey. We frequently forget along the way, due to stress, homework, and studying, that quote we heard as we stepped out of our homes and onto campus. The amount of stress placed on a college student today has proven to compromise the reason why they began this journey in the first place. We attend school in hopes of a better future, creating lifelong friendships, and (especially here at Bloomsburg) having fun. Somewhere along the way, it is easy for many students to lose sight of our initial intentions when the weight of being a student feels almost unbearable. We have all had that day where the idea of the future starts to scare us, we become unsure of our strength, and we question ourselves. I personally have experienced the toll self doubt can take on a college student. The combination of being away from family, the stress in and out of the classroom, and the anxiety that follows the stress can create a dangerous mindset for many students. Those feelings: loneliness, anxiety, and stress have led many students to depression.

Unfortunately, many students believe the amount of stress they endure is normal, however too much stress can lead to further problems for students. The number one cause of suicide is untreated depression. The amount of stress placed on a student combined with untreated depression can lead to suicidal thoughts. Due to this becoming a more common issue on campuses across the country, many college campuses have decided that now is the best time to inform students of suicide awareness and prevention. Unfortunately, some students that deal with untreated depression do not seek help and take their own lives to escape the pressures.

Photo by Amanda Wunder at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

With hours of work and anxiety for the future, it is common for college students to lose sight of why they began this journey in the first place. Whether you dreamed of being a teacher or a doctor, we all started on this journey for a reason. Somewhere along the way, the work and stress may cause you to break down and lead you to feeling depressed and defeated. As Dory once said, "Just keep swimming." The end may seem far away, and the stress may seem too much to bear, but if you keep pushing forward and working hard, it will all pay off. That piece of paper we are all striving for, is the key that will take us to all the places we hope to see, do all the things we've dreamed of doing, and make all the hard work we endured finally worth it.

Campuses around the country are finding ways to better help students dealing with depression. Today some are even turning to our devices to help us. East Stroudsburg University is even promoting a suicide prevention app, http://www.my3app.org/. This allows students who are having suicidal thoughts to reach out for help, no matter where they are, simply by using a mobile app on their phone. Students having suicidal thoughts are urged to reach out an get help. The National Suicide Hotline is also available 24/7; 1-800-273-TALK.

It's never too late to reach out for help. And when things are getting rough and you feel like you're in over your head, just remember the dream that brought you here. Remember why you started in the first place, and keep that flame of hope inside you lit. All the troubles and tribulations as a student will be worth it when you're living your definition of success and the tears of your troubles are just dried up memories of harder times.