For background, Im a 22M and I recently started grad school. I have been working harder than I ever have to maintain good grades. I also suffer from anxiety, which at times can be intense. 

During the first month of grad school I wanted to make friends but it was hard because im naturally shy. I finally put myself out there and met people. After a stressful school week I hung out with them and enjoyed myself. But after, I felt depressed for days. I found this so odd and inexplicable. I finally met people so I was confused as to why I felt so alone and depressed. I’m not sure if meeting loads of new people while stressing with school work overwhelmed me or what. But I feel more depressed and anxious than I did when I started grad school. 

I think it could also be a combination of very low self-esteem and caring too much of what people in my family think of me. For example, I dont have a gf and at my age and in my culture, that is seen as “odd”. People in my family have voiced their concerns about my singleness. To be honest, a relationship would be too much for me to handle now, but I dont think they understand. So that is one more worry added to my list of worries. 

To sum it up, a combination of low self esteem, overwhelming school life, and worry about my reputation has me feeling confused and depressed. But, imagining me doing what i love (traveling) cheers me up sometimes.  

Sorry, for the long post, just needed to let it out.