Am I Depressed??

[Insectasyde]

Hi I'm new here but I've decided to join because for a while now I've been feeling pretty down and hopeless about a lot of things.  I have had so much stress from family and my university course load, recently got fired from my work for not being available enough (due to uni) and i feel like its all too much for me and I'm not coping. 

I don't know if what is happening is me becoming/being depressed but a lot of the time I just feel completely useless and dread waking up in the morning as it means new challenges or closer deadlines etc. Recently these feeling have become more frequent and worsened and I want to know if anyone else has any similar situations or feelings and what I can do because I don't want to feel like this anymore. 

Thank you for any help/advice in advance.

[SeanM92]

hey there friend,  

Welcome to the forum and first of all good on your for having the courage to post here.

What you are going through is pretty common especially with large work loads. I  am studying a large work load as well while being a father to a 2 year old and balancing volunteer work. It does get super stressful and often i find myself dreading going to sleep at night because it means more challenges tomorrow ( just as you said). What helps to get me through is to keep in mind what i'm studying for as in what i'm going to be able to achieve during my studies and what i can complete once i'm finished it all.

If your feeling concerned for your own mental well being, consult a GP or maybe go an see a therapist or a campus counselor.  

Don't give up hope though. I can guarantee your not the only person in the world that feels this way, not even the only one at your uni, there are literally hundreds more. Don't be afraid to talk it out with others.

Hang in there and keep looking forward.

Take care

[Narniakid]

Hey Insectasyde, welcome to the forums and thank you for reaching out to us.

No wonder you are feeling so down; that is a lot to take in! University is a stressful commitment, but just keep reminding yourself why you are studying and working so hard - perhaps make a mood board filled with inspirational quotes and messages, photographs of what you'd like to do one day or places you like to go, and just general bits and pieces that you can look at for help when you're feeling stuck.

Have you got some sort of study timetable or routine? If you find that you're juggling things around, I'd take a look at it and work out your priorities before things like  social activities. I also suggest you ask your university about any counselling or therapy services available to you, as most campuses have some sort of support available, considering the stress students undergo during their studies.

Most importantly, don't give up! I know it all seems hard right now, but it won't be like this forever - you CAN do this!

Crystal

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Instectasyde,

Thanks for reaching out and welcome to the forums.

I definately agree with Crystal and Sean.  You are definitely not alone; there are lots of people on the forums going through a similar boat that you are in.  Uni is a pretty stressful environment so it's important to put yourself first and take care of you.  Whether you have the diagnosis of depression or not doesn't matter too much (in my opinion) because you can still get help either way.  If things are bothering you, then now is the time to figure out how to make things better and put in a plan that works for you.

Take care,

[Ladyhawke]

Hi Insectasyde (cute name) and welcome to the community. I agree with the other respondents that Uni life can be very, very stressful. I was fortunate that I completed my Degree prior to the introduction of the dreaded HECS fees. I did work part-time, but only for a hours per week; for my generation it was a choice, not a necessity. When I hear about the number of hours students have to work simply to survive combined with a full studyload, I find it amazing. In fact, I personally don't know if I could manage it. I would think that the feelings you are experiencing are widespread across all campuses; you would, most certainly, not be alone. I have great admiration for Uni students today and their ability to juggle so much students. It will be a terrific achievement when you complete your Degree. Now, with regard to the problems you are experiencing. I have a long history of depression and anxiety going back to childhood. I have been under psychiatric treatment for major depressive/anxiety disorder since 1995.  The fact that you have been feeling low for quite sometime, that the negative feelings are deepening and that you dread waking up, is a sign that all is not well, and the fact that you are in touch with your emotions and want to do something about it now shows a really well developed emotional intelligence.  I agree with the other respondents; speak with your student counselor and see what advice he/she can give you. If you feel the advice is not adequate, I would strongly advise you speaking with a GP;  be open and honest about how you're feeling and ask his/her views on referring you to a psychologist. Your GP may be able to help (more and more are becoming involved in mental health issues) or may think it best to refer you on. Whatever the case, don't stay stuck with these feelings as it is unlikely they will improve without some form of assistance.  There is a great deal of help available if you seek it out. Good luck and take care.