Hi Jaker,

I'm sorry you're going through this crap depression. It is the ultimate catch-22. You don't want to do anything but lay in bed all day but the only way that you can get better is to do things and interact but you can't because you're depressed. I don't think that it's all internal though. I think that the economy is a bust so there's no motivation to go out there and get one because there really aren't any. The ones that are available pay you crap and managers take advantage because they know demand for jobs are high. Technology has made us disconnected. No one talks to each other anymore, no one wants to interact. So of course we don't meet anyone new. If I go to a starbucks or another coffee shop, everyone is on their laptop or phone. I'm in my car waiting for the light to turn green I look down at other cars, people on their phone. Even dating is all online now. The online dating world is so superficial. You have to look perfect in the photo or else you get ignored. And most of the people I've met have baggage. But that's because I'm 33 and they're around my age so they're the leftovers from our 20's dating scene.

If you focus on small stuff like brushing your teeth, taking a shower, if you're in bed all day just sitting up in your bed for a few minutes. Start with that and build on it. That's what I did. I'm still depressed but I'm not afraid of the daunting task of taking a shower. Sometimes the sadness and shame comes in because I think wow look at you such a winner with this whole depression thing. can't even take a shower ... but I quickly shoot that down and just say, it's another thing on your list you have to do it and I just jump in.

You're 20 and still super young. All of the things that you want to do and experience will come in one way or another. You have almost a whole decade to find out who you are and what you want in life, who you want in life. I'm so sorry that you're going through this at your age. I hope that you are getting the appropriate treatment. I know anti-depressants are a mixed blessing but they do help at least get you going to go back to your routine.

It seems like the world is going on a downward spiral and along with our personal experiences, everything mixed in, it's no wonder we are depressed.