Possible depression, any advice?

[akishore]

I have never had depression or any other psychological disorder before, and I'm thinking I may be depressed right now but not sure.

I'm in college (third year) right now and am going through by far my hardest semester yet, taking courses which I need for my major but which aren't applicable to my interests and which are really difficult for me. Academics have always been my forte until getting to college, and this semester by far I have been the most academically challenged. Overall, it is just mentally grinding and tiring.

I also came down with a pretty rough sickness over Thanksgiving break which made me miss a week of school, just as a bunch of hellish work is all coinciding due to finals approaching. I, fortunately, got an extension on some of the more important things, but I still have a mountain of work that is incredibly daunting to even think of starting, much less finishing.

And to top it all off, I have just broken up with my girlfriend and best friend of 3.5+ years. She still really cares about me, but I have never felt so lonely and alone before. I guess that while we were together, I slowly became less social because she was my best friend and we always did so much together, so I don't really have any friends remotely as (emotionally) close to me as she was. We even lived together this past summer.

So for the past few days, I have had no motivation to tackle my work. I have spent the vast majority of the time in my room, feeling really pathetic. I have slept some but my sleep schedule is completely out of whack. I have barely talked with anyone, and most of my time has just been spent in front of my computer, on 2+2, checking email, randomly browsing Facebook (which makes me sadder looking at all the happy couples, etc.), and I can't bring myself to get my work done.

I don't mean this thread to be self-centered or attention-whoring at all. I just wanted to know if anybody had any good advice or suggestions or if they have been in similar situations. I know that seeking professional help is probably the best thing to do, but I really don't want to turn this into a big thing, and there's less than three weeks to go before this semester is done and I can just go home and relax. I just want to get over this ASAP and just be done with this semester.

Thanks in advance for your help.

P.S. I think this is the right forum, but if not, please feel free to move it. I'd appreciate it not being moved to The Dorm because it's not really about college life and I'd prefer an older, more experienced audience. Thanks.

[Anacardo]

Odds are excellent. See a doctor.

[SumZero]

There is a forum called "Psychology" that may give you better advice.

[Anacardo]

Nah, I pretty well covered it.

[edfurlong]

I'm not a doctor, but you sound more sad than depressed. It can't hurt to see someone though.

Good luck.

[jctc]

get drunk and call her

[schundler]

YSSCKY

<font color="white"> sorry, someone had to say it. it definitely sounds like this is temporary and will go away; ie you do not sound as if you are clinically depressed. gl </font>

[EricW]

If this continues for a few weeks, see a doc.

[IVPanda]

It sounds like you are having a rough time right now. I know you must feel very sad, but from what I have learned in several psych classes, true depression is chronic, lasting longer than two weeks and preventing you from completing everyday tasks like washing your hair.

However, you should definitely talk to someone. If your college is anything like mine, there is free counseling on campus and you should take advantage of that.

[THAY3R]

OP has basically described how I have felt my whole life. I thought that was just how I am, but maybe not?

Should I score some xanax or something?