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Depression in College: My Hallmate Maya's Story (and What We Can All Learn)

Mar 7

The Night Owl’s Dilemma: How I Finally Made Peace with Sleep in College

Ever since my hallmate, Maya, started her freshman year at college, I could tell something was up. At first, I thought she was just tired from all the late-night study sessions. But as the weeks went on, she stayed in her bed a lot, skipped meals, and hardly left our dorm. She told me she felt like she was “sinking in quicksand,” and that’s when I realized she was dealing with something way more serious than stress or a bad mood - she was battling depression.

A Peek into Our Dorm Life

Living near Maya made me see the raw side of mental health struggles. She’d stay awake all night, then sleep through most of the day. When she did get up, she’d often say she didn’t feel “worthy” to hang out with others or join group projects. Watching her beat herself up like that broke my heart. I tried to be there for her with little things: bringing her tea, inviting her to watch silly reality TV, or suggesting short walks around campus. Sometimes she’d smile and come along. Other times, she’d just shake her head and say she was too tired.

Why College Feels So Overwhelming

I always wondered why depression can feel so much heavier in college. I’ve heard counselors say it’s because our schedules are crazy, and there’s a ton of pressure to figure out our futures - like, who even knows what they want to do with their life at 19? We also have social media making everything look perfect, which can make real life seem super disappointing. Maya told me she felt like everyone around her was “crushing it” while she was struggling to get through a single day.

Click to Learn About The Weight of Expectations: Academic Pressure, Future Anxiety, and How to Help Your Teen Thrive

On top of that, many students juggle part-time jobs or internships while also taking challenging classes. There’s barely any time to step back and breathe. Dorm rooms become mini-offices, and we end up doing homework on top of laundry or skipping meals to finish group projects.

That hustle culture can totally mess with our heads.

Therapeutic Techniques that Help

I’m not an expert, but after watching Maya explore different therapy options, I’ve learned a few cool methods. I even tried some of these techniques myself because, let’s be real, college can make us all a little anxious.

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Maya started talking to a campus counselor who introduced her to CBT. It basically teaches you to catch the negative thoughts in your head and replace them with more realistic ones. She said it was like “rewiring a bad signal” in her brain.

2. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT focuses on coping strategies - especially for super intense emotions. Maya learned skills like mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation, which helped her stay calm when she felt an emotional storm brewing.

3. Guided Imagery and Meditation: Our gym hosted a weekly relaxation circle. We’d lie on yoga mats, close our eyes, and imagine peaceful places - like a beach at sunrise or a quiet forest trail. It sounded cheesy at first, but just 15 minutes of calm made a huge difference in our stress levels.

New Innovations in Therapy

There are also some techy ways people are getting support:

● Teletherapy & Apps: With busy schedules, sometimes it’s impossible to visit an in-person therapist. Maya used an online counseling service through our university. There are also apps with guided breathing exercises, CBT journaling prompts, or mood trackers - pretty cool for managing mental health on the go.

● Campus Wellness Hubs: Our school just launched something called a “Wellness Studio,” where students can try light therapy for seasonal depression or use VR headsets for guided meditation. Maya said sitting in front of a bright light on cloudy days helped boost her mood.

Mental Health in the Workplace (Yes, Even for Internships!)

We also realized that mental health matters beyond campus. A lot of us are doing internships or part-time jobs. Stress doesn’t magically stop when you’re off campus; it can follow you to your workplace. Maya had a meltdown during her internship because she was scared of messing up.

She started talking openly with her supervisor (which felt huge because it’s scary to be vulnerable), and the supervisor was really understanding - letting her take short mental health breaks during the day. This taught me that workplaces are slowly becoming more aware of the importance of mental well-being.

Stories of Healing and Hope

While depression is tough, I’ve seen hope in Maya’s journey. She says she still feels sad sometimes, but she’s learned to spot the warning signs - like wanting to isolate for days - and reach out for help sooner. Our dorm is far from perfect, but we’re learning to watch out for each other. If we see someone missing from the dining hall for too long, we’ll knock on their door or send a friendly text.

Other students shared how group therapy sessions, supportive professors, or even a campus dog therapy event helped them find moments of relief. Everyone’s story is different, but one thing’s the same: nobody has to go through it alone.

Click to Learn About How to Navigate Anxiety in College

A Final Word: You’re Not Alone

If you’re reading this and feeling like you’re drowning in your own thoughts, please remember that there’s always someone ready to listen. Whether it’s a friend, a professor, a therapist, or even a roommate who brings you random cups of tea - people do care.

College is hard, yes, but it’s also a place where you can discover the right support for your mental health.

If Maya can push through the dark days and find a path to feeling stronger, maybe you can, too. Don’t be afraid to reach out, explore new therapeutic techniques, or just ask for a hug when you need it. Your mental well-being matters, and there are so many resources out there waiting to help you find your way.

Carlie Malott

Crisis Counselor | Guest Writer of Moody Melon Magazine

I’m a junior at Colorado College studying Psychology and Education. Passionate about mental health, I believe normalizing conversations about struggles fosters belonging and hope—values I strive to integrate into all my work.

When Change Becomes Chaos: How to Survive a Toxic Workplace After a Company Buyout

Mar 6

To survive a toxic workplace, it’s essential to set clear boundaries and prioritize your mental well-being. By focusing on self-care and building a supportive network, you can navigate the challenges and protect yourself from the negative impact of a harmful environment.

When Change Becomes Chaos: How to Survive a Toxic Workplace After a Company Buyout

When a company is bought out, employees often face an unpredictable whirlwind of changes. New management, altered company values, and shifting goals can bring stress, uncertainty, and a toxic work environment. While change can be an opportunity for growth, it can also cause significant strain on mental health. The transition period can be filled with confusion, miscommunication, and, in some cases, workplace toxicity that can leave employees feeling overwhelmed and trapped.

In this article, we’ll explore how to navigate the stress of a company buyout and survive the challenges of new management. Whether you're trying to stay afloat amidst changes or seeking ways to cope with a toxic work culture, these tips will help you protect your mental well-being.

The Emotional Rollercoaster of a Company Buyout

When your company is acquired, it’s natural to experience a range of emotions. You may feel anxiety over job security, sadness over the loss of familiar colleagues, or frustration with new leadership styles. Many employees also face the added pressure of increased workloads, unclear expectations, and shifts in company culture. The uncertainty and chaos that accompany a buyout can feel like a constant mental tug-of-war, leaving you mentally exhausted.

But the stress doesn't end there. Often, when a new management team steps in, they bring with them a fresh set of policies or performance goals that may clash with your previous experience. If these goals are unrealistic or the leadership is indifferent to employee concerns, the work environment can quickly become toxic.

Recognizing Toxicity in the Workplace

Not all challenges during a company transition are toxic, but it’s important to recognize the warning signs that things are spiraling into an unhealthy environment. Here are some key indicators of a toxic workplace:

Constant Uncertainty: Frequent changes in policies, roles, and job expectations with little explanation can leave employees feeling unstable and stressed.
Lack of Communication: When management fails to communicate effectively or transparently, it can lead to confusion, frustration, and feelings of isolation.
Blame Culture: A shift toward a blame-oriented culture—where employees are criticized for any mistakes without support or solutions—can create a hostile environment.
Decreased Morale: If your coworkers are disengaged, unmotivated, or outright hostile, it’s likely that the overall work culture has taken a hit due to poor leadership and management styles.
Increased Micromanagement: A shift from empowerment to micromanagement can severely diminish an employee’s sense of autonomy and contribute to burnout.

Strategies to Survive and Thrive in a Toxic Work Environment

While you can’t always control the management or changes brought about by a company acquisition, there are ways to protect your mental health and thrive, even in a toxic work environment.

Set Boundaries and Prioritize Self-Care: Maintaining your physical and mental well-being is crucial during times of stress. Set clear boundaries between work and personal time, and make time for self-care activities that recharge you. Whether it's taking regular breaks during the day, exercising, meditating, or spending time with loved ones, self-care is essential in maintaining your resilience.
Stay Grounded in Your Values: In the face of uncertainty, it’s easy to lose sight of your personal values and priorities. Take time to reflect on what matters most to you—whether it’s work-life balance, career growth, or mental health—and make decisions based on those values. Don’t compromise your well-being for a job that no longer aligns with your personal goals.
Create a Support System: It’s easy to feel isolated when navigating a toxic work culture, but you’re not alone. Building a network of supportive colleagues, friends, or mentors can offer much-needed perspective and encouragement. Share your challenges, vent when necessary, and lean on your support system to stay strong during tough times.
Focus on What You Can Control: While you can’t control how management runs the company, you can control your attitude, work ethic, and response to challenges. Focus on doing your job to the best of your ability, taking pride in your accomplishments, and staying true to your professional standards. Empower yourself by concentrating on aspects of your work that give you a sense of accomplishment and purpose.
Practice Mindfulness and Stress-Reduction Techniques: Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or journaling, can help you manage anxiety and stay focused in the present moment. These tools can help you detach from negative emotions and cope with workplace stress in a healthier way. It’s also helpful to step away from stressful situations when you need to regain your composure.
Know When to Move On: If the environment becomes too toxic or if the management is unwilling to address the issues that are affecting your well-being, it may be time to consider other options. This could involve searching for another role within the company, exploring other job opportunities, or even taking a career break to reset and evaluate your next steps. No job is worth sacrificing your health and happiness.

Conclusion: Embracing Change and Protecting Your Peace

A company buyout often comes with uncertainty and challenges, but it can also provide a new opportunity for personal and professional growth. Surviving the stress of new management and a toxic workplace environment requires resilience, self-care, and a commitment to your values. While navigating these tough changes may not be easy, remember that your well-being should always come first.

As you face the challenges of this transition, ask yourself: How much are you willing to sacrifice for a job, and at what point do you decide it’s time to prioritize your mental health over the demands of a toxic workplace?

From the Depths of Darkness to the Light of Hope: Allison's Journey of Overcoming Postpartum Depression

Mar 5

Note: This content is fictional and created with the intention to inspire, uplift, and support you on your mental health journey. If it feels discouraging, please feel free to disregard it—your well-being is always the priority.

From the Depths of Darkness to the Light of Hope: Allison's Journey of Overcoming Postpartum Depression

When Allison first became a mother, she envisioned a world filled with joy, laughter, and cherished moments with her newborn daughter. But as the days turned into weeks, a shadow slowly began to creep into her life—a feeling of overwhelming sadness and isolation she couldn’t explain. The once-promising journey into motherhood was now clouded by an invisible weight, one that no one could truly see but her. Allison was struggling with postpartum depression.

The Unseen Battle

Postpartum depression (PPD) is often misunderstood. It’s more than just feeling "down" or "sad" after childbirth; it’s a complex and crippling condition that can affect new mothers physically, emotionally, and mentally. For Allison, the symptoms crept in slowly—first as extreme fatigue, then as a constant sense of dread, and eventually, a feeling of disconnection from her newborn daughter.

“I felt like I was failing as a mother,” Allison admits. “I thought that the love I was supposed to feel for my baby should come naturally, but instead, I felt empty and overwhelmed. I couldn’t understand why it was so hard, and that only made me feel more ashamed of myself.”

But postpartum depression didn't just impact Allison's relationship with her baby—it also began to strain her marriage with her husband, Mark. As she sank deeper into her depression, Allison found herself withdrawing not just emotionally, but physically. The intimacy they once shared was replaced with distance. Conversations, once filled with shared dreams and excitement, became strained, and every small issue felt like an insurmountable mountain.

“I couldn’t be the partner Mark needed me to be,” Allison reflects. “I wasn’t present. I was caught in my own head, battling feelings of inadequacy. I felt like I was failing him, too.”

Mark, too, felt the shift. As someone who had always been supportive and understanding, he struggled to navigate the change. He tried to be there for Allison, but he didn’t know how to reach her through the fog of depression. At times, he felt helpless and frustrated. The tension in their relationship grew, making both of them feel more isolated in a time when they should have been leaning on each other.

Seeking Help and Breaking the Silence

Seeking help wasn’t easy for Allison, but it was essential. She began therapy with a counselor who specialized in postpartum mental health. She also sought support from her doctor and was prescribed medication to help stabilize her mood.

“Therapy was where I could finally voice all the things I was feeling but couldn’t say aloud. I didn’t even know how much I needed to talk until I was in that space,” Allison reflects. “It was like releasing a pressure that had built up over months.”

For their marriage, seeking help also meant attending counseling together. Mark didn’t fully understand what postpartum depression was, but through therapy, he learned how he could support Allison better—emotionally and practically. He began to realize that he wasn’t responsible for “fixing” her but that his role was simply to be present and compassionate as she navigated her healing process.

“The counseling helped me understand that postpartum depression was not something Allison could just snap out of—it wasn’t a choice,” Mark says. “We both had to be patient, not just with her recovery, but with each other. We were in this together.”

A Light at the End of the Tunnel

The path to recovery wasn’t linear. There were setbacks, days when she felt hopeless and unsure if she’d ever feel like herself again. But through therapy, medication, and an unwavering support system, Allison began to see glimpses of her old self, the person who was strong, resilient, and capable of navigating the complexities of motherhood—and marriage.

“The most profound moment in my recovery came when I was able to hold my baby in my arms and truly feel connected to her—not out of obligation, but out of real, unconditional love,” Allison recalls. “It was a powerful realization that I wasn’t broken. I was healing.”

Allison and Mark also began to rebuild their connection. They learned to communicate better, express their needs, and lean on each other without judgment. Their bond, once fractured by the strain of postpartum depression, became stronger as they both healed.

“Allison’s recovery taught us both the importance of being vulnerable and open,” Mark says. “It’s not easy, but I’ve learned that mental health struggles don’t have to break a marriage—they can strengthen it, if you’re willing to grow together.”

Click to Learn About Crafting Your Creative Self-Care Sanctuary While Caring for a Newborn

The Journey Continues

Today, Allison is not only a mother but a beacon of hope for others who might be struggling with postpartum depression. She understands that healing is an ongoing process, but one that is possible with the right support and tools. Her journey is a testament to the power of self-compassion, community, and the importance of taking mental health seriously.

Her marriage, too, has evolved into something deeper. The challenges they faced brought them closer, teaching them both how to navigate tough times with empathy, love, and understanding.

But the question remains: If we can support a mother through the joy of childbirth, why is it so difficult to support her through the unseen challenges of postpartum depression?

Is it time we break the stigma once and for all, not just for mothers, but for their marriages too?

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