You might have thought going to college would be the magic wand to set you free of your past and be the place where you would totally thrive, but it’s been so much harder than you imagined. Your friend group hasn’t quite clicked, you’re not sure your major is right for you, you’re spending half your time watching netflix, and now you’re wondering if you should transfer. Why did everyone always tell you these were supposed to be “the best four years of your life?” It might feel like everyone else has it figured out, and you’re completely lost. Sure, being a college student can be a lot of fun. You have so much freedom and new spaces to explore, but putting yourself out there can also be really scary. And, freedom can come with a lot more responsibility. You used to be in class with a routine and schedule almost all day, every day. Now, you only have to show up somewhere only 20% of the week and half of your professors don’t even take attendance. There’s no structure, but there’s still so much pressure because you want to do well and people are already asking what you want to do after college.

You’ve been depressed before, but it feels different this time. You’re surrounded by people but are still feeling alone. Now that you are away from home and in a new environment you might be thinking differently about your childhood and wondering if it wasn’t as idyllic as you thought and your relationships with your parents are becoming more strained. Or, your anxiety keeps switching from feeling anxious because you’re existentially anxious about having nothing to do to being frantically anxious to get everything done. It feels like everything and nothing is happening all at once and you have to figure so much of it out on your own. Your friends expect you to go out with them multiple times a week and it’s tons of fun! But, you end up feeling a lot more anxious and depressed the morning after. How are you supposed to know how much is too much?

For those with too much on their plate,

You’re doing it all. It feels like everyone else has it easy while you’re working multiple jobs and showing up to class. The expectations that you had have only multiplied since starting college and gaining all of this “freedom.” It’s not fair, and you’re a rockstar, but you deserve to have some time to take care of yourself.

For those whose plate feels too empty,

Your purpose is still there even if you don’t know what it is. Big changes, extra time, inconsistent routine, and having to make plans for your career and future can completely exhaust you and take away your drive to do any of it, because it just feels too overwhelming. We can take everything one step at a time to move you forward on this journey and to help you feel more connected with your purpose.

For those whose plate has turned entirely into drinking, drugs, and late night food,

You are just as worthy whether you are sitting on the couch and watching TV, or living it up with some new friends. The highs and lows associated with going out are taking a toll on you and a way you couldn’t have expected. Our behaviors can spiral quickly and you may feel like you're starting to lose yourself. Your hangovers are now accompanied with moral hangovers and the let downs are unbearable, but there’s a way to find more balance.

For those who I didn’t describe,

You aren’t just a college student - you are so much more. I’d love to get to know you and all that there is to you.