Reply #11: Kat, I've been there a bunch of times at 67 years of age. Is there someone [View All]

[Radio_Lady]

else to whom you can talk about your feelings? College usually offers counselors who are adept at working with students who feel overwhelmed. Do you have medical insurance as a college student? Are you suffering from some medical condition, except for the difficult thoughts and the clearly overburdened situation? Maybe it's time to raise your hand and ask for help.

Are you suicidal? I'm just asking because you say things that are signals of depression and possible suicidal thoughts. I was a student at UCLA in 1959, got pregnant, married the guy, then took some pills more as a cry for help -- but I got some mental health help. Baby was stillborn, guy left me in the hospital, I went back to school and finished. So I know something about this... Perhaps you need a run of antidepressants to help you through this spell. Check it out with your doctor, if you have someone you trust.

Life has its ups and downs. Maybe you could reconsider your goals -- if you're studying philosophy and poetry or liberal arts, something that might cause raised eyebrows if you are looking for a way to really support yourself. Most of the children in our family ended up with student debt, but they did eventually pay it off in long periods. This government should support students like you, but it doesn't.

You really have to put one foot in front of the other. If you try to look at all of life -- instead of doing it in "daytight compartments" (a concept that really works for me), it's really too much.

Anyway, you need someone closer than a website to talk to. Call a hotline number for the Samaritans in your area. Talk to a good friend -- hope you have one. Are you living alone? Anyone in your church or religious group you can confide in? Or your family? On campus? Please reach out to someone so you don't go spiraling downward.

Life does get better after school. Trust me, it does. You'll see a brighter tomorrow if you get help now.

PM me if you have questions or need support. I'm here.

In peace,

Radio_Lady in Oregon