Every student deals with things differently, 这可能对我有用, might not be an option for someone else. I never believed I could (graduate college) but you find the outside resources you need and keep pushing through.
独自坐在宿舍里, Darren Smith’s thoughts began to take over, his internal voice directing him to a frightening place.
“It was the first and only time I contemplated whether or not my life was worth living. 我在想，我应该接受它吗?他说.
Suddenly he heard his phone; it was a text from a friend.
“In that moment, if I didn’t get that text from her...史密斯压低声音说.
The ladbrokes立博中文版 alumnus arrived on campus in the fall of 2019 and, 像许多新生一样, admits his first semester was difficult.
“这很难。. I didn’t know what I was doing, how to register for classes. I even took biology my first semester, I barely got through it, but somehow, I did it,史密斯说.
更糟糕的是, the roommate he was paired with ended up being a failed match, 他需要换房间.
“I didn’t think things could get any worse, then COVID hit,史密斯说. “I went home to Bourne to finish out the semester.”
When school started up again in the fall of 2020, the pandemic forced all of BSU’s classes online. Students were invited to return and live on campus, but with restrictions. It was far from the traditional experience college students were accustomed to.
Smith opted to live on campus and was assigned to a single room in Pope Hall.
“There were only three other people on the floor. I lived at the end of the hallway and didn’t really interact with others. It wasn’t the school’s fault, but that was my reality,他说.
Taking classes online, limited social interaction—the isolation took a toll.
“That first COVID semester, it was hard. I know I wasn’t alone, we all lived in these boxes. It left you often alone with your thoughts,史密斯说. “There was this weird sense of loneliness. I think we crave interaction whether we want to admit it or not.”
Smith started to experience panic attacks and depression, leading him to the day where he sat alone in his dorm room, 考虑自杀. 如果不是因为他的朋友来找他...这是他经常思考的事情.
“At the time, I didn’t know how to use my resources. I had a hard time reaching out to people,他说.
Eventually he did seek out help and made use of the BSU 健康 Center’s free counseling services.
“它帮助. I never would have believed talking to someone would help, I’ve always believed that your problems are your own, but sometimes talking to somebody does help,他说.
Smith got more involved as a BSU Orientation Leader and tour guide. He also worked as an advisor in the 学术成就中心.
As for the friend who texted him that day, their relationship blossomed into a romance with the couple still dating today.
After graduating this spring with a degree in communication studies, Smith applied and was accepted into Fitchburg State University’s master’s program in applied communications. 他将于今年秋天开始工作.
He is quick to point out that despite his success and ability to manage his mental health crisis, that doesn’t mean he will ever “beat it.”
“Depression never really disappears, it still and always will be a part of me,他说. “But by telling my story, I hope others can relate and realize they are not alone. I think we all have moments where we deal with depression.”
For students who might be struggling at BSU, he encourages them to reach out and find the right outlet or resource that works best for them.
“I hope students understand that the college does have resources and I think BSU does a good job promoting these programs through the 健康 Center,史密斯说. “Every student deals with things differently, 这可能对我有用, might not be an option for someone else. I never believed I could (graduate college) but you find the outside resources you need and keep pushing through.”
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a trained listener, call 988. Crisis Text Line is a texting service for emotional crisis support. To speak with a trained listener, text HELLO to 741741. It is free, available 24/7, and confidential.
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