Depression

In light of recent events, I felt it was the right time to write this post. I am referring to the apparent suicide of Robin Williams on August 11, 2014. I had planned to write a post on Mental Health and, more specifically, Depression during May, Mental Health Awareness Month.

Depression is an important issue to me because in the Spring of 2012, I was struggling with depression. In fact, depression seems to run in the women of my family: my grandma, mother, both of my sisters and I have struggled with depression at some point during our lives. Depression is actually common, if you are depressed, you are NOT alone. There are many who are struggling or who have struggled with depression who you can talk to. Additionally, there are many places that you can go to get help. If you are depressed, please, please, please go get help. Talk to someone.

The two things that helped me the most through my depression were my counselor and my belief in God. I started going to counseling at my school. I went and spoke with my counselor once every two weeks. She gave me "homework" and we discussed the things that were bothering me. She was a sweet lady, easy to talk to, didn't mind if I cried, and really cared about me. If you think that people don't care about you, they do. 

Depression is common among women. Depression is common among freshmen and sophomores in college. This is because college students are under a lot of stress and they are experiencing an extreme change. The good thing about college is that most have free counseling centers for students. My school does. There is nothing wrong with going to counseling. Talking to someone is very important. Please get help. 

It is difficult for me to explain exactly how my faith helped me, except that it was very much like the "Footprints in the Sand" poem. I believe that the Lord was carrying me and holding my hand the whole way through my depression. There were days where I wanted to drop out of school and run away. I just wanted to give up. But I never did and I can't really explain why. I believe that God kept me going.

If you were depressed, and you have overcome it, please share your story with others. It helps to know that other people have been there. You can help to encourage other people. There is nothing to be ashamed of. Use your experience to help others. I shared with my sorority that I had been depressed and that I had gone to get help, when I shared this other girls shared that they had struggled in similar ways. One girl prayed for me thanking God that I had come out of "that black hole" and asking Him to help me to not be depressed again. Other girls told me that I could come to them if I ever started to feel that way again. And one girl hugged me for sharing. The reaction to me sharing that I had been depressed and that I had gone to counseling was completely positive and encouraging. Share your story with others, you never know who you might help.

If you are reading this and you are depressed and you feel that you have no one to reach out to: Please reach out to me. I care about you and I want to help you. I started this blog to help YOU in any way I can.

As for Robin Williams, his death is tragic and will be felt for years to come. He has made me laugh all my life and imagining the man who voiced and ad-libbed Genie not being in the world makes me very sad. To me, Robin Williams always seemed like a wonderful, happy man, but sometimes it is easy to hide things under the surface. I dedicate this post to Robin Williams, a man who made the world laugh. I never met him, but I will never forget him. We love you, Robin.

You Are Loved,

Sharon

Advice to College Freshmen from a Senior

So since its August, I’m gonna start with a post for all those nervous freshmen out there.

I remember my freshman year of college, even though I liked school and was commuting from home, I was really scared because I’m shy and I didn’t know anyone who I would be going to school with (admittedly, living at home probably only made this worse – living in the dorms is a blessing because it throws you in the middle of campus and basically forces you to make friends). Anyway, the guy I was dating at the time let me wear his cross necklace the first weeks or so of school to help me feel secure. He reasoned that it would be like he was with me. It helped me adjust, and even though I didn’t make many friends that first year, I felt comfortable at college.

That brief story leads into my first bit of advice:

1. If you’re really nervous about school, wear some of your most favorite, comfortable clothes the first few days, it’ll help you to feel, well, comfortable.

2. Find your classes before the first day of class. Don't be afraid to ask other people for directions to wherever you are going, most people are more than happy to help!

3. Go to class (do not skip - only miss if you seriously must), sit toward the front of the class (whether it’s a huge lecture or a tiny lab), take notes, study, and actually read the book. I know you want to have fun and you feel all free and independent, but the ultimate reason you are in college is to learn something. So please follow this piece of advice.

4. Be respectful. Of your professors, guest lecturers, your peers.

5. Get involved. Get involved. Get involved. Get involved in at least one thing, this will help you to meet people and make friends. If you are invited to the Honors Society for whatever you are studying, join it! It helps to beef up the ol’ resume, plus it will be a good place to learn about opportunities related to your major. If you believe a certain religion, get plugged into that group on campus, trust me, it’ll be good for you. I waited til my junior year of college to get involved with anything, and that was a big mistake! So try out some different student organizations and find one or more place that feels right for you and stick it out through the rest of your college career. Personally, I am (now) involved with Tri-Beta Biological Honors Society, Chi Alpha (a Christian Fellowship), the Wildlife Society, and Sigma Phi Lambda (a Christian sorority).

5a. Don’t just go around joining stuff, actually participate in the various events/volunteering/etc. that your organization(s) do throughout the year.

6. If you are having trouble in class: go to your professor’s office hours and ask for help (throughout the semester), take advantage of on-campus tutoring, go to Supplemental Instruction if it is available, ask a friend who is doing well in the class for help.

7. Go to some of the free, fun events for students, even if you have to go by yourself, just try it!

8. Know when to say no. If someone invites you out late the night before a test, say no. If someone tries to get you to do something you aren’t comfortable with, say no. If you already have way too much on your plate and someone asks you to do something for them, say no.

9. Don’t pull all-nighters, they won’t help you on the test, instead study all semester, make practice tests, go over your notes, and get a good night’s sleep before a test.

10. Remember to call your mom. She misses you and she will be sooo happy to hear from you.

I know you’ve probably heard some or all of that advice before, but I really believe it will help! If you need any specific advice, feel free to ask in the comments! I’ll help if I can.

Wishing you the best this year,

Sharon