<p>Now that the novelty of college life has started to fade a bit, I've started to consider ways I can be a proactive member of the community. I've given some thought on what opportunities my school already has to offer. The first thing I noticed about my college is that there are a countless number of clubs and organizations to satisfy practically any interest. However, there is one subject that my school doesn't have an organization for: depression. </p>
<p>Sure, life is better than it's ever been before. I have tons of new friends, freedom unlike I've ever experienced before, and a chance to start with a clean slate. But to be perfectly honest, things are far from perfect. I've already encountered bouts of depression throughout my life, and prior to coming here I was prescribed antidepressants for almost half a year. I know what it's like to feel hopeless and isolated. I know how it feels to be afraid to talk to people about what's bothering me. Fortunately, coming here has done wonders to my perspective on life. I have a newfound sense of optimism now that I've left behind my less-than-ideal childhood. At the discretion of my psychiatrist, I was tapered off the prescription and I am now free of any medication. </p>
<p>There are still those inevitable times when I do feel down. In this past week, a girl who I dated for a month told me she ",likes me as a friend," I failed a chemistry test, and I got cut from an exclusive internship opportunity that I was interviewed for. Sometimes things just pile up like this. As a guy, it's sometimes hard to open up to people about what's on our minds. Society expects us to shrug off every disappointment and feign the guise of a stoic. Sometimes we are afraid to talk to people. That's why I want to start some type of anonymous group for my school where students are free to voice their problems without fear of embarrassment. </p>
<p>It's a concept I've been thinking about for a while. It could be some type of forum, not unlike an anonymous text board, where people could vent their frustrations and receive support without revealing their identities. To avoid abuse, registration would be required, and the posts could be moderated to ensure no names are mentioned and only positive feedback in responses. By doing this, students who might be a afraid to talk about their problems to other people can voice what's hurting them in a safe environment. </p>
<p>Does this seem like a good idea? I feel confident that I can build the site with the help of my friends. I can propose the idea to my school using a petition and a number of people who support the concept. I know that it's not a perfect plan, but I think it would be my own unique way of helping out my community. Any thoughts on the matter are greatly appreciated.</p>