I think I may have depression, but I'm not sure how to tell...can somebody help me please.

It sounds like you have been having a really difficult time lately, which is understandable, as moving away from your social support system can evoke physical and mental stress. It can be especially hard for introverted people, who are often more comfortable with smaller groups and with people they already know; having to reach out to strangers while living in a new place with new responsibilities can feel like sensory overload for introverts. The problem is human beings are wired to be in social groups. Isolation from meaningful social contact enhances activity in pain centers in the brain, evoking symptoms of physical and emotional pain, or creating a sense of numbness to all experiences. If you isolate yourself for too long, letting yourself feel only the sadness of social loss, eventually you can get stuck in that emotional state.

Now, I am not sure if you are clinically depressed, though you have expressed many of the symptoms of depression, such as a loss of interest in activities and sex, disturbed sleep patterns, concentration difficulties, and sadness. More-so, you are distressed by these experiences. While it might seem natural to surrender to your feelings and shut yourself away, you really should do what you can break up the negative experiences. Do the things that used to make you feel happy. If taking hot baths or going to the movies, or going on dates with your boyfriend, made you happy before, then keep doing those things. As uncomfortable as it is, reaching out to others to make some new friends should help. And as much as you can, try to keep a regular cycle: eat regularly, keep a consistent sleep-wake cycle, go out every day. This is all referred to as behavioural activation: if you keep making your body do the things you used to do, this will affect your neurophysiology so that a more normal range of emotion and energy eventually follows. Also, try some new experiences. Novelty increases dopamine in the brain, which is a feel-good chemical that can help to break up sadness or numbness.

As well, it might be worth making an appointment with your school's mental health counselor. He/she could help you problem solve different social situations so you can become more socially connected on campus, and you might be able to come up with some good ideas together for how you can start to feel well again. Sometimes depression makes it really difficult to perform daily activities or to come up with creative ideas for what might make you feel happy and motivated again. It is good to take advantage of all of the social support and resources that you can. If your boyfriend can help with any of this, then recruit him as well! I'm sure he'd want to do what he can to contribute to your well-being.

I really hope you feel better.

Depression can be tough to deal with. Especially since you went away to school. New environments can be scary! Finding friends and starting fresh is often fearful to all of us!

You will adjust eventually. Just takes some time =) dont give up!

I went through the exact same thing as you 5 years ago. I moved far away from home from all my friends to go to university, when all my friends went to the same university back home. I wanted to get away from home and experience something new, however, just like you I felt lost and I tried everything to make friends. I volunteered, I participated in clubs went to events and I did make some friends (not very good ones) but some. I found that a lot of young people cannot relate to my situation of being depressed therefore they mistake my depression for being no fun as a person. I'm not going to lie to you, its difficult and for me things didnt really get much better all through those 4 years. My last semester, I lived with two guys (first time i've ever lived with guys) and I loved it they were so nice to me and it was the first time I actually felt like I had friends. Im still very good friends with them even though we dont live or go to school together anymore.

My best advice to you is to consider going to counselling services, I went for 4 years and I found it a good opportunity to discuss how I was feeling and what I was going through. Counselling services are great cause they can even help you with other things such as one time my landlord was breaking the law so they gave me a telephone number for this company that I could talk to a lawyer for free.

I recommend still trying to get out there (outside your comfort zone) and participate in new things such as volunteer or go to an event and just meet new people, you will make friends.

Remember to keep your head up, how I made it through was by constantly reminding myself that I am here for school. Obviously having friends and a social life is a huge factor in college but ultimately your there to get a better education so that you can get a good job and live a better life. This time in your life will seem so small when its done, I promise you that. :)