[BreakFree]

I'm currently a freshman in college and I'm finding it difficult to deal with my depression and anxiety here. One big problem is that I haven't made any friends yet, so I get very lonely and feel like I'm an outcast here. It's very hard for me to make friends because I'm a shy person and I have social anxiety. I feel like I'm never going to make friends.
I'm also having a difficult time with motivating myself to do my work and go to class due to my depression. The first few months I have been doing fairly well but I'm starting to feel worse again and starting to never want to leave my room. I'm starting to feel that sense of meaningless and worthlessness again which makes me just want to quit everything because I'm feel like I won't succeed and everyone else is better than me. I don't know, any general advice on coping with mental illness in college would be appreciated.

[Amphiptere]

I am now going to university for the third time in my life. The first try was exactly where you are now and it didn't go well because I didn't know what to do, so I ended up closeted in my room and ended up just dropping out.

I have no idea if what I say that works for me now works for you, but I simply do not allow myself NOT to go to class. The day after I had jaw surgery I still went, gauze and all. If I allow myself not to go for whatever reason, I will find more reasons until I am not going to class anymore and I have dropped out again. Where I am in life now, I cannot afford another failure.

I also play computer games and talk to people online (hi, this counts!) when I am not doing my studies. I do have some friends, but I have to take the train an hour away to see them, so its very rarely. If there is something you like, see if there is a group you can join. It will be horrible the first time you are there because of the social anxiety, but find a way to do it (I tend to reward myself, but I like to train animals so its ingrained).

You just need to be bloody-minded about it and don't give up because its hard now, but if you just keep going and don't allow yourself to back up (going forward is nice, but not giving up is a MUCH bigger win!) you're doing better many with depression and studies.

Hope you find your will to be stubborn.

[Rohag]

Hello & Welcome, BreakFree. Does your college have some sort of "Office of Special Student Services" or "Disabled Student Services?" They may have resources, accommodations and guidance for you.

[Amphiptere]

What Rohag said, but for the love of all that is sane, DO NOT let them use anything as a trial, experiment, or a test with you. I made this mistake. That was how my second go at university ended. Go for help, but with your eyes wide open!