Introduction. I'm new, and I have never done anything like this before.

[draylyn45]

I'm young, and in college. I am new to this whole support group thing. I have never been one to reach out to others over my problems. It's hard for me to describe what I struggle with, because I do not actually know exactly what my health issues are. Depression runs deep in both sides of my family, but I have never seen anyone for it and been diagnosed with anything. I guess I have some sort of discomfort being told by someone who hardly knows me what is wrong with me, and the idea of medication discomforts me, I hate pills (for various reasons). Every time that I talk to my mom about my mental health, she tries to tell me that there is nothing wrong with seeing somebody and that I shouldn't rule out medication and make myself suffer when things like that could help me. I want to believe her because she has struggled with depression and anxiety her entire life and I know her story, but whenever we get on the topic I get defensive and say I don't need anything to help me yet, here I am. I simply hope to use this as a safe space to share my stories and to not only receive but to give help to others, as supporting others is something I enjoy very much. I feel that being able to express myself and my thoughts to others who might be able to relate will be good for me.

[Hidden]

Its very brave to reach out and its okay to feel how you feel right now and to be hesitant. This has been a safe place for me so far and I am very thankful to have found the support here. I hope it will be a great place for you to get the support you need too.

[Hidden]

It wouldn’t hurt to see someone; universities should offer a limited amount of free sessions (that’s how I started out). I wasn’t one to visit therapists either. I felt very uncomfortable at first opening up to them since they kept asking about my past and upbringing. It was very difficult since my parents always told me to never discuss family matters with anyone (including friends). If you’re not up to that yet, feel free to hang out here. Reading people opening up in this community gives comfort in opening up yourself. I found reading posts help me as much as writing them. You could use this platform to allow yourself to feel more comfortable opening up.

I wish you all the best 😊

[Dreamer27]

Welcome to the community. I'm not one for reaching out to my friends or family when it comes to personal struggles and understand your position. Don't be afraid to reach out to individuals you can relate to in this forum; it helps bring comfort to talk with someone who may be in similar shoes.