Young Writers Society

Hi there! Niteowl here.

Writing wise, I'm not sure what to discuss here, since this is more of a blog entry. There is a Blogs tab for these sorts of posts, so I would save your points for stories and poems you want reviews on. I guess my biggest tip on that end would be to cut the all caps since it's perceived as shouting and unprofessional. I might also consider a different structure, possibly chronological, as I feel like the high school events were shoehorned in at the end.

However, since you did ask for advice, I will give it. For context, I'm 29 and have gone through my fair share of mental health issues. These days, I'm overeducated and underemployed but actually pretty happy.

1) First things first, I would strongly encourage removing your name and the name of the store you work at. The chain appears to be very local and your name pretty unique, which means this could easily end up in a Google search in the future. Without going into details, I almost got into big trouble because of something I posted on here in high school. My name wasn't attached to this account, but enough details were that I was identifiable. I've since made efforts to scrub that kind of info out of this account.

2) Concerning school/career stuff: It sounds like transferring to community college would be a good move if you're so miserable at your current school. Like you said, it is cheaper and could help you figure out what you want to do. In the short term, I would try to get through your current classes and finish the semester on an academically sound note. At least then you'll get the credits and won't have the black mark of flunking out.

3) About mental health stuff: I'm sorry you're struggling. Having been through my own stuff, I'd say that therapy can be super beneficial, and no therapist I've had has ever said I'm being dramatic (even in instances where I kinda was lol). They can also help with some of the big decisions you're facing like major/career decisions. The out-of-pocket costs can also be much lower than you think, depending on your health insurance and if you can find a provider that does sliding scale (like mine). Your school counseling center can give you an initial evaluation and refer you to outside services if necessary. There's also free support groups such as NAMI or through your school which might be helpful.

4) I agree that family is not always the best source of advice. They are not impartial and likely don't have professional training. Heck, my mother does have professional training (Master's in social work, had her own practice), and she's still said very unhelpful things like "you're young, you don't know stress" and "get off your pity pot". So yes, therapists are much more helpful in this regard.

I hope this was helpful to you. Good luck with everything and I hope 2020 turns out better for you.

Welcome to Y.W.S.! I am Katnes, and I've been here for around two, three years, so you'll see a lot of me around here, and I like to think of myself as a professional writer. (If you've ever end up reading one of my works, you'll see why)
Please don't hesitate to PM me about anything. If you decide not to that's fine. I understand. Just know I'm here for you.
My favorite things to watch are Avengers, Voltron: Legendary Defenders, and Star Wars.
My favorite things are, cats, Astronomy, reading writing and the outdoors, but above all I love Jesus Christ.
Now, the thing you need to remember about me, is that I am much more intelligent then I seem. So don't ever underestimate me.
If you want to find out more about me, try reading what I've written.
Right so, on to your work-I couldn't find any problems with it, but you asked for advice, and rather you meant it or not I feel obliged to give some-Regarding your degree-slow down. Take a deep breath. You can't rush the future. Then consider what degree would be most beneficial to you, or one that's your favorite. If that gets you no where, try seeing if there's a degree that'll help you use a favorite hobby. Or think of it this way-get a degree that will help you do what you want to do in your life. Going to community collage? Go for it. If you don't feel like your getting anything out of a university college, then most likely you aren't. You may be happier in community college anyhow. I know you aren't happy going to school right now, but pull through it. Nine times out of ten you'll end up regretting it later, when you realize you wasted your life not getting an education, and getting married to the wrong person. The thing is, an education can help you pursue your dreams.
As for your depression, the sad news is there are no magic words, that will make it go away forever. What you can do is keep up with your health-eat healthy food, keep fit, and change your attitude towards life. You can't really change life, and life is always going to be hard, but you can change how you meet life's toughness. Either life beats you, or you beat life. So, try focusing on the good things in your life, and cherish them. Especially your new reunited family. Try thinking about them more often. And spend time around positive people, who will encourage you and make you feel happier. (That may mean going to community college) Do whatever you can to root out those negative thoughts, because if you let them fester they'll rule your life-and you'll end up living a miserable existence. If nothing else works, try finding songs about your situation, if you can't then write one. If you aren't good with instruments just do the lyrics. Finally whenever you can try taking a moment to relax, and enjoy the beautiful things your surroundings and in your life.
I hope that helps.
Katnes