Need help with anxiety and depression - first year

<p>Most people here have not a clue. They just think that therapy will help. Not so. True, maybe medication can help. These people are all doing well and so they have the perspective of the privileged. But the fact is that, for most folks, this will end up badly. I had depression throughout college and got poor grades. More, I lived at home so I did not make any friends. I lived in a secluded tunnel. I majored in a subject I had no interest in. I got a part-time job during college but then my parents made me quit it because they thought it would lower my grades. But the job was the only time I truly felt happy. I was actually doing well in college with the job, but I worked in retail and my parents said that “It is beneath you to do hard labor and work with “those” people” and they made me quit the job. After college I could not get a good job because I am poor at speaking and have no work experience and have a low GPA. And so now I drive trucks. I am a truck driver. I live in my truck all day, and I am the lowest member of society, judging be how others treat me. That is the only job I could get because I had a perfect driving and criminal history. I was actually smart in high school (near perfect SATs, lots of AP tests, got a scholarship), but I lost it all because of depression and social anxiety. I went to some therapy but it did not help. Paxil helped a bit. But in the end I am a failure, no point in denying it.</p>

<p>@notquiteme, I am so sorry that you are struggling with these issues, but many people on this board do actually have experience with depression and anxiety and many have seen positive results with therapy or medication or a combination. The path is certainly not always smooth, and not the same for everyone. It sounds like you were not able to get the kind of help and support you really needed when you were going to college, but I hope you will continue to seek help and support. It really can help.</p>

<p>@heps1996, I am so glad that you went to find some help through the school. It’s great that you liked her. That can make a big difference. Even if you can’t do the long term counseling right there, hopefully she can help by becoming an ally for you in helping you find ways to deal with the school, or in helping the school help you. Definitely a step in the right direction.</p>