Loneliness is something I became familiar with in first year. Depression followed in second year. I succumbed to anxiety in third and now in my fourth year, I feel more settled but still have to remember to relax and focus on the present.

I think I am unlucky to have ridden such a rocky rollercoaster at university but many of my friends have experienced similar problems but maybe for shorter periods… Splitting up with their boyfriend or girlfriend, falling out with friends, alcohol-induced regret, exam stress, housemate disturbances, bereavement. A lot of things resolve of their own accord, forgotten in the abyss of ‘university life’.

Why was I depressed? There have been some relationship and friendship issues I had to deal with. Some loneliness. And then something I couldn’t place a finger on – I just felt sad. But as the old adage goes, you don’t know happiness if you don’t know sadness.

I needed more help than my friends could provide and I visited my GP who prescribed an antidepressant and referred me for counselling. I took the antidepressant for 20 months; it gave me more energy but was only a small part of my treatment. I went on to have a second stint of counselling through the university. I discussed the problems I had at the time and learnt some strategies to deal with difficult thoughts. I felt at ease telling someone separate from the situation about my worries. I also tried cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), reputedly an effective treatment.

I am, as I write now, trying counselling again through the university. It is free and based on campus, so I can make arrangements around meetings and lectures. To get the most from counselling you need to be honest with yourself so that you can be honest with the counsellor. I find it such a relief to admit to what’s been bothering me.

I confided in my academic personal tutor who kept an eye on me – it is useful to tell these people early on. He never judged me and could provide advice about any necessary academic options, e.g. mitigating circumstances. The Advice and Representation centre in the SU also provided support when I was at odds with a housemate.

If you’ve reached this far, you’re probably thinking I have had a terrible time at university.

Actually, depression has only been the tiniest slither in the pie chart of my experience. I have made great and long-lasting friendships with my housemates, my coursemates and people I have met at societies. Hobbies and exercise helped. I now only drink in moderation, as alcohol is a depressant. Good food and plenty of water makes me feel more alert. Using the services available – it took a long time for me to realise I wasn’t being a pest… so used them! (The SU, university and NHS.) Just keeping on top of day-to-day jobs, like laundry, could give me a sense of achievement when other tasks seemed too daunting.

Now, if you met me at the bus stop you’d never guess I had all this behind me… Anyone can feel depressed. You have to be kind to yourself and look after your friends – they can make the world of difference.