Fearing my 2nd year of college... don't want to be depressed again?!

Fearing my 2nd year of college... don't want to be depressed again?

My first year was not exactly fun. In fact, it was like high school for me but worse. In high school I at least had a couple of friends that I could talk to, but none in college. I've been sheltered my whole life w/ really overprotective parents who still really don't let me do much of anything except study, so making friends has always been a problem for me. I wouldn't even admit I was depressed though until I was finished w/ college, so I'm scared next year will be just a repeat of the last. I even had trouble studying though b/c all I could do was turn off the lights, keep the shades closed, and sit in my room all day, a lot of the time w/o eating. When I did eat, it was the same thing EVERYDAY, 2 hamburgers for lunch and a box of macaroni for dinner. Of course I always went to class, but I felt extremely awkward being there. My parents don't let me do anything at home, but I'm not depressed now b/c I don't have to see people. Is it even possible to enjoy myself next year? TIA

2 weeks ago
Also I'm planning on joining a volunteer club or something, since they are the only type of clubs that suit my interests. Maybe that would help me feel better about college, idk... I am agnostic too, so religious clubs are out of the question.

A lot of kids have this problem, you are not alone. I am 26 years old, and when I returned to school for nursing last fall I fell in to a terrible depression. I didn't want to leave my apartment, I didn't want to see my friends, I couldn't handle stress at all and I found it really hard to make simple decisions. Starting college is a major life change. Our school has a therapy clinic for students in distress, they really helped me figure some things out. This could be a place to start and they would be able to help you find further treatment if you need it. Also do you have a job? Jobs have always helped me to make friends. Maybe if you could get a little part time job near your school or on campus, one where there would be lots of other students and people who you can relate to, like at a coffee shop or something. When I was taking my perquisites for nursing I worked at Starbucks. I made lots of friends, including my best friend. It was like a community, because everyone knew everyone. I even made long lasting friendships with some of the customers. Anyway, it does sound like you have some social anxiety. I think you would be surprised at how much a counselor could help you to over come this. I bet next year will be better for you. The first year is always hard. Make it a personal goal to reach out to another student who might also be having a difficult time making friends. You never know, it could turn into a friendship that lasts a lifetime