Hi Everyone,

I am senior in college and will be completing my BS this upcoming Spring 2008. I took pride in my outgoing and social attitude. I was easy going and not only the center of attention but likeable and fun. Recently, I have been dealing with a lot (school is just one of them) I think I am depressed and I am seeking therapy but these emotions seem to have taken on my self-esteem, and a toll on my social life and personal relationships. I know that I cannot sabotage my graduating so I initially attend to my academics but unfortunately, the relationships, as stated above, with my friends and some of my family (aside from family events, holidays) suffer because of my lack of motivation to want to socialize. This has also lead to a moderate case of social anxiety which is very alien to me because since I can remember Ihave been such a social butterfly, networking , business, personable indivisual.

I do not know how to help myself I have tried medication but did not want to go that route because there were too many side effects and I felt that it was not worth me feeling worse. My expereince with medication was that it eventually complicated even more things . I was on an emotional rollercoaster on meds and felt physical aches as well. That was in addition with what I was getting treated for, depression. I found it kind of counter productive.

For my overweight issue I registerd with an affordable and easy going gym. I started doing farley well but the demands of school, papers, assignments , group projects ( course work demand)and work were leaving me fatigued and lacking energy. Plus I wouldn't say I am in the best home environment.

I am currently home on a Saturday night (Friday night – Sat morning 1:21 AM) depressed. I am an exceptional student and might I add on scholarship however, I have come to notice that my school work has been slightly affected and every other aspect of my life I would rate as severely affected. In addition, I have gained some weight which depresses me even more. I would really appreciate some feed back. If anyone would like to comment or lend some advice please do so.


==>{{Kellykels}}<==:(

Diet and activities are essential for a healthy mind and body.

Too much of anything is NOT healthy.Look for balance,the gym was a good start, making dedicated time to do the physical and finding the time for the mental are the hurdles.

Depression tells us, "Its all too much, Don't do it!" It will drag you down till your in a rut seemingly too deep to crawl out of.

The lack of energy,lack of good judgment, diet being one of these, finding a happy medium another.

That's mild depression.

Without some kind of advice/treatment/focus it will progress.

I am a believer in medications, even if it is just a short term timeframe.

Look at the way you are struggling today and ask yourself,"Do I want to continue to feel like this?" If not, what can you do to alter this path? When all other methods fail,an open mind and education to your problem are the best solutions.

Sometimes medications have effects that seem undesirable, how many people have you heard say they are doing great on their meds? And how many say they had a negative side effect?

Most people won't be advocating depression medication, they feel... guilty? About taking them, and don't want the world to know. On the other hand, the people who had a negative effect and stopped taking the meds,are very outspoken,Proud that they can downplay it and say they are better for it(pride in self, for beating the stigma)

I have side effects, so do diabetics, chemotherapy patients, etc etc. We are introducing something into our system we need and have to acclimate to.

Ever go a few days without eating? Then stuff yourself? Feelings of renewed energy and blood sugar rising brings a pleasant serenity back to the system,Psychotropic medications can do this to, just not as fast( in most cases) and not to the same 'desired' feeling as food, but you get my point, sometimes we need a boost to get past life's hurdles.

I would like to hear more from you in this forum.

Hope this helps,

Ken