Sounds like you need to get off the pills. That's probably not helping your situation ... just because a doctor prescribes it for you doesn't make it a solution. It can't be helping your social life. I lived in Huntsville for my 4 years in college, and with exception to maybe the 1st semester I enjoyed it. It's not a raging party town, but you're not going to be happy anywhere sitting in an apartment by yourself.
Although I do have roommates, I'm usually alone when I'm at my apartment so I go to the gym or do something on campus to pass the time. I can understand what you're going through since I feel that way sometimes but the best way to get through it is by hanging out with friends or people close to you.
Have you tried studying on campus? It might help with an environment change. I often study at school just because I know I'm not alone here and it motivates me to study when I see other people working hard in the library. College is all about balance. Try to make a schedule of time you have free time and study. I assume since you are only taking 7 hours, you have plenty of free time. Go to the Recreation Center sometimes and relieve any stress you have. Go home sometimes or hang out with friends. They key really is balance.
OP, I have been in your situation where it feels like I have too much time on my hands, but you don't really feel like doing anything with it. Many have mentioned exercise, and they are right. It is a great way to turn your nervous energy into focus and clarity of mind, HOWEVER, your situation calls for a certain type of exercise and diet. People keep saying "go to the gym!" and then not saying what to do there (and who wants to go to the gym and see all those juice heads lift 10 times as much as you, am I right?). Don't just try to blast the weights, as that will likely burn you out and suck up all your energy. You can get a great workout without leaving your apartment. Start with aerobic exercise like stretching and Yoga (also sports like basketball are great, just don't overdo it). I repeat, Yoga. Find a good video (there's plenty online), get yourself a mat, and try to do 30+ minutes every other day. Don't push yourself too hard. Focus on breathing deeply and slowly and relaxing while you exercise. Try to keep a schedule, say 11:00am before lunch. After a while of this, you will have more energy and strength and if you want can add in some weight training/cardio/etc. Don't worry about going to bars or parties if you don't want to as that is just not for everyone. Meditate. Find out how YOU really want to live. Also I don't know what your diet is like, but eating more whole grains (whole wheat bread, brown rice, oats) and other complex carbohydrates will instill a lasting sense of well being. Eating low fat proteins (fish, chicken, beans, etc) will give you an energy boost and arouse your senses. Drink tons of water (half gallon or more per day, just have a glass and be sipping on it at all times throughout the day). If you take good care of your body and keep a positive mindset, people will notice, your confidence will grow, and people will gravitate towards you. When I am stuck in a rut, these are the things (^^^^) that get me out of it, I hope you will try them. Finally, no matter what it is you strive for, remember: PATIENCE. Patience breeds Discipline, Discipline breeds Fortitude, Fortitude breeds Confidence.
Can't be helping my social life? Huh? How are you going to say they aren't helping me? I'm not where I am because anti-depressants are the devil - it's because I sit in my apartment all day and don't go out as much. Whether I did or didn't take anti-depressants, I'd still need to do more for myself than I'm doing now. I get irritated when people play the "anti depressants are the anti-christ" card.
Thank you Obi-Wan. I used to do a good bit of Yoga back when I was in Houston. Just an hour a week on Wednesday's, but it was nice. Of course I'm not in Houston (primarily) anymore and the instructor I liked is up in Austin now. I believe the are some Yoga classes at the rec center up here though. They're in the evening. Would that matter or if they're in the evening, would it be best to really just exercise in the morning with basketball (or self monitored yoga) and then attend the evening yoga if I get time?
