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The start<\/strong> of my spiral into depression was when I lost my girlfriend at age 15 to suicide. This would obviously be terrible to anyone, but to a 15-year-old who thought they would spend the rest of their life with this person, it is one of the most traumatising experiences a teenager could face.<\/p>\n Over many years, I tried multiple medications. Some seemed to help for a short time whilst others made me feel much worse, so I decided to go it alone. With the help and support of some friends, it worked, and my mental health improved.<\/p>\n But this was at the end of my time at college, and all of my friends were going to different universities. This was hard for me, as I had made the mistake of relying solely on my friends for support, and was not getting any other form of help. This was when I began to self- harm.<\/p>\n My first year of university was okay for me. I had made new friends, had a girlfriend, and was overall in a generally happy mood.<\/p>\n In second year however, the stress of studying eventually got to me, and my mental health started to decline for a second time.<\/p>\n My grades began to plummet, my relationship with my girlfriend dissolved, and severe anxiety entered the fray, making me feel even worse. Multiple times I considered ending my life.<\/p>\n With the encouragement of a few friends, I eventually went to see a counsellor, and saw multiple GPs who prescribed me with medication, which didn\u2019t help.<\/p>\n So I ended up intercalating to spend more time on myself, and to get better.<\/p>\n I got a part-time job and just decided to relax, and so far, it has worked out. There have been dips in my health and I have had depressive episodes, but I remain hopeful that eventually I will be able to fully control my depression.<\/p>\n My advice to anyone who thinks they may be suffering from any mental health problem: please know you are not alone and to seek help as soon as possible, whether that be help from a medical professional, or just talking to your friends.<\/p>\n If you are studying at university and are struggling with mental health, I would suggest taking a year out to focus on yourself and get help.<\/p>\n And remember, YOU ARE IMPORTANT!<\/p>\n
\nFor confidential support with mental health or suicidal feelings, call\u00a0Samaritans<\/a>\u00a0on 116 123.<\/em><\/p>\n