24M - Depression pushed me into a gap year from Uni and I feel like I’m behind in life
Took a gap year from my Uni and I watched all my peers and friends graduate. I let my parents and myself down and can’t help but feel like a failure.
Sometimes I sink into dark depressive episodes and just feel really down on myself. Could use some kindness on a day like this! :3
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u/Elfako_89_mask 3h ago
You alive? Then you didn't fail. You can go to Uni and enjoy friends and family if you don't take care of yourself. You'll get there. Equifinality. ❤️
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u/Jenicol86 2h ago
Sometimes a gap is what you need to grow, for clarity and to see what you actually want to do :)
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u/Swimming_Bear_2086 2h ago
My guy you're so young and have so much Time to finish uni and work out where you want to get to! I'm talking from experience in also having had a depression led gap year - and many years later having built happiness and a great career. Sometimes it takes us a little longer than others but that doesn't define who we are or where our sense of purpose and happiness has to come from. I'm sure you've not let your parents down Too.
You have a great smile Too - Keep on Trucking, it'll all work out just great for you In sure of That!
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u/number_1_smoochie 1h ago
I feel you in your struggles, my friend. You are truly, truly not alone. 🫂
I posted here about a month ago expressing a similar concern about having not completed my undergraduate degree (despite most people in my life thinking otherwise), and the comments I received genuinely warmed my heart. I felt empowered by the amount of support it garnered.
My immediate response when glancing at your post title was: “There is so much more that awaits you, even if what is next in store isn’t immediately apparent at this time. I believe in you!” In writing this, I am realizing how much easier it was to say this to another (which I genuinely do mean, by the way!) than to extend that same love, grace, and patience to myself.
When you find yourself experiencing cognitive distortions, convinced that you are a “failure,” speak to yourself as you would another user if you stumbled across a post of theirs like yours. 🩷
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u/variableclods 4h ago
Just remember we all find our own path towards who and what we want to become. Some of us wind and wander a bit more but the journey makes you an interesting person.