what's the most important thing you learned this school year?

if you are struggling in a class/behind on work, talk to your professors and ask for help. it seems like an obvious thing, but as someone with a lot of anxiety, especially when it comes to schoolwork, it’s really hard for me to ask anyone for help when i’m in the mindset of “i should be completing this on my own, it’s fine, i don’t need help, what are you talking about?” i had a lot of unforseen circumstances pop up this semester that affected my ability complete work on time. i met individually with all of my professors and explained my situations, and they were all extraordinarily kind and willing to do anything they could to help me get through the rest of the year. it’s really scary talking to professors (even for me, and i go to a school with no letter grades), but it pays off so much if you can sit down during office hours and get some help and advice

I think I'm depressed. I tried telling my parents and they just don't get why I can't just get up and go to classes or do my work like I have been the past couple years. I don't know what's happening to me. On one hand I'm afraid that I'm depressed because then I'll have to cope with that, but on the other hand I'm afraid that I'm not depressed and I just can't do anything and that I'm a failure. Does this make any sense? I'm sorry

So, I’d say that if you think you’re depressed, you’re probably depressed. Talking to a professional is, of course, the best way to find out for sure, though. And don’t be sorry! This makes complete sense. 

It’s scary to suddenly just not be able to cope with and manage the usual everyday things that you’ve been doing all your life. I was depressed for many years, but it wasn’t until I had a major depressive episode (which started last fall) that it truly affected my life (read: I stopped being able to function).

I’ll tell you that coping with depression and dealing with your diagnosis isn’t easy, but not dealing with your depression and letting it consume you isn’t any easier. It might seem “easier” and less scary because avoiding the problem is what feels the most comfortable sometimes; in Kait Rokowski’s poem “Good Day,” she likens depression to a “good lover,” but she also remains that the relationship one has with depression is an abusive one. She says, “It is easier to stay in this abusive relationship than fix the problems it has created.”

So many people stay with depression — hold onto it tightly and keep falling into its vicious cycle. It’s scary to let it go, but it truly is worth it. Being healthy and able to function is what you deserve and what you’re capable of. And, remember, you don’t have to deal with it all at once. Recovery doesn’t have to be an overwhelming process, especially with where you’re at. The first step is just talking about it.

I don’t know if you’re in high school or college; most high schools have an on site counselor that you could reach out to, and if you’re in college, your school probably has a counseling center (and it’s most likely free!). I’d really challenge you to check it out; a counselor can even help you figure out what to say to your parents to help you better explain what you’re going through. 

In the meantime, though, try watching this video and see if you relate to it. I’ve shown it to family members to help describe what depression really is, and, so far, they’ve been receptive to it. Just try it out. 

Anon, I wish you the best of luck with all of this! Let me know if you need anything else; my ask is always, always open. *hugs*