I’m from Hawai’i but go to college in Utah. I always feel depressed and anxious when I’m at school. I sleep all the time, dislike going to class, and feel distant from my friends and hobbies. As soon as I come back to Hawai’i on breaks or over summer, I feel better and feel like myself again. I feel really happy. I’m about to go back to college after winter break and I’m worried I’ll lose myself again as soon as I get on that plane. I only have two semesters of school left but I don’t want to waste more time being as unhappy at school as I’ve been the past 3 years. I don’t want to switch schools as I’m almost done. Any advice to how I can bring my happiness from home back to college with me?
This may be a stretch but by any chance to you think the weather, beauty, and pace of Hawaii have something to do with how you feel? The two states couldn’t be more different.
Have you gone to the college counseling center to talk to someone about this? That might be a place to start. The other suggestion I will give you is to start a gratitude journal. Write down and become mindful of all the things you are grateful for. This can and should include small things like a hot cup of coffee. Work on being present and grateful for the little things in your life to help motivate you and help you feel better.
Good luck!
Could you have seasonal affective disorder? Many schools have light therapy in their rec centers.
You are in the home stretch! Seek support from your health center to finish up. You’ve got this!
Dovetailing with the comments above, perhaps also try spending more time outdoor, such as taking walks around campus, take study breaks outdoor, study outdoor when weather permits, be mindful of the beauty of nature (even the silhouette of bare trees against grey skies are strikingly beautiful).
Try a light therapy lamp - you can get a good one for +/- $40 on Amazon. Use it in the morning - most people get a mood boost for the entire day. I hope this works for you!
Go to the counseling office at your college for help.
And recognize that you are almost done with college and can move back to HI permanently soon. Your degree will be a huge accomplishment to take back with you.
I’m guessing that it has a lot to do with the climate and altitude. If you have 2 semesters left, then you might be well served to just stay and finish your degree. You seem to be doing OK. Take some time to go to the student health center and get on some medications and/or therapy. It can make a big difference. Then move back to Hawaii ASAP.
I am so sorry you are going through this. I want to reply to you because I lived in Utah for a very long time. The atmosphere and people tend to be very different than anywhere else. I have also been to Hawaii (Maui) and I know what a magical place it is. My suggestion to you is to try to find the outdoor beauty in Utah. There is so much to see, from the mountains, to the deserts, to southern Utah. It may help you to get out there in nature and experience different landscapes and meet like minded people. Get in your car and go for a drive up into the mountains…also, remember that this is only temporary. Do not give up! 2 semesters is nothing compared to the rest of your life. Winter in Utah can be hard also, but again, there is so much beauty there if you take the time out to find it. Don’t hide under your covers at home. You need to force yourself to get out there, get some fresh air, and explore. You will feel a lot better if you keep busy. You will also have a ton of stories and cool pictures to share with your friends in Hawaii. Trust me, I know how you feel. Winter semesters are also very hard. I live in Chicago now, but I do miss the beauty of Utah and it’s surrounding areas. Good luck to you and I wish you the best. Any questions, feel free to reply!
Also…depending on how much time you have left at college, maybe consider a semester abroad…preferably in a warm climate. Or can you finish up early by doing some summer or online classes (if that is an affordable option)?
Thank you! I
I hope that our ‘comments’ are of use to you; however, do seek help from health professionals if you feel that there is no improvements. I commend you for acknowledging your situation and seeking out others for support.
At this stage, understand that toughing it out and getting the degree is the best option. So do your best to make your time there pleasant. There are so many beautiful things to see in Utah. Moab, Arches, Bryce, skiing, amazing slot canyons, etc… are surely all opportunities to enjoy the place you are at. Find some people to go hiking with, or join a campus group. Keep your eye on the prize.
I agree a semester abroad seems to be a good idea! Or the light therapy. Probably because Hawaii is a v sunny place and Utah is… well Utah.