'I feel depressed all the time...'

I am 19 years old and an only child. I don't have friends. I have always been a loner.

Dear Diana,
I am 19 years old and an only child. I don't have friends. I have always been a loner. It has always been studies for me. I attend college and coaching class and barely go out, barring family functions. We stay in a bungalow so there are no immediate neighbours or building folk. I'm sick and tired of feeling this way, but it's been going on for years. I'd love to be the party hearty types like my pals, but I feel uncomfortable doing it. I have no self-confidence as I never let anybody find out my misery, could this be a reason why I feel depressed all the time? I have tried to turn things around, but nothing at all seems to help. I'm scared I might end up doing something I will regret, and just want to know what's wrong with me. Life just seems a mess right now. My parents are working and I stay with my grandmother and a 24x7 domestic help.
— Madhav


Illustration/Amit Bandre 

Dear Madhav.
You need to tell your parents about your state of mind. Are they aware of what is going on? You need to be surrounded by people who care about you and support you and to cheer you up. But that's going to be hard without self-esteem. Try to build confidence. You have to move on with your life. Try to be merry. Engross yourself with things you like doing. Do you have any hobbies or anything you enjoy doing? You could try your hand at something new so that your mind is diverted for a while. It is never too late to make friends. Connect with your school pals, join a creativity class or a local club where you can make friends. But first of all, confide in your parents or grandmother about feeling depressed. They may help you out.

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