Editor's note: All opinions, columns and letters reflect the views of the individual writer and not necessarily those of the IDS or its staffers.
Query from reader: “After ADHD and depression diagnoses in my last year of college, I often wondered about IU’s actual disability accommodations. I’ve been placed in an exam room with the same amount of people but spread out; why is this considered an accommodation? It’s still stressful if we have all these people and the time up on the board. Why isn’t there more ADHD awareness in college campuses for students? I’m aware of the medication over usage, but I couldn’t even find a pharmacy that could fill my scripts for weeks in Bloomington. There are good study techniques for those with ADHD, which I was never taught about until actually reaching out. It’s the same often with depression. I think IU Counseling and Psychological Services does not do a great job at mental health care. It takes weeks to get into just to have some dude to just tell me to take a shower. I wish I could often redo my college years with the knowledge I have about myself now, but I can’t. Why hasn’t IU done more for internal mental health?” This query has been edited slightly to adhere to the IDS’ style.
First, I am so sorry to hear that has been your experience with mental health at IU. I can’t imagine how difficult and confusing it must have been up until you finally received a diagnosis in your last year of school. I am sorry that you feel the efforts you made to get help were in vain.
You raise many points here, from disability accommodation to medication to therapeutic techniques. I can't speak for IU or explain why the university has or has not done certain things, but I can give some advice as for how to proceed when what you try related to your mental health just isn’t working out like you hoped.
If that sounds like you, keep reading. The world is a better place with you in it.
After struggling with my own mental health and witnessing the experiences of the children I’ve worked with, I added a Children and Adolescent Mental Health minor to my elementary education degree so that as a teacher, I can be the best possible asset to my future students. Hopefully, this experience makes me an asset to you.
Start by finding someone you trust, and tell them what’s really going on. It could be a friend, family member or roommate. Just talking about what you’re going through with someone can help put things into perspective. Opening up to someone else can also help you find a new way to look at things or resources you might not have known about before. Even if it feels uncomfortable or vulnerable, letting someone in is the first step towards healing.
In the spirit of opening up to those close to you, I spoke with my roommates, Ethan and Bella, about their own struggles to get medicated for anxiety and depression. Both roommates stressed the importance of talking to someone else about what you're going through.
“There were things in my life that I thought no one would understand until I talked to my close friends about it,” Ethan said. “And I realized I wasn't alone.”
“Getting things out puts things into perspective; it’s easy to feel alone when you keep things tucked away,” Bella said.
Regarding professional help, I know you said you’ve tried before and it didn’t go as expected, but anything worth trying is worth trying again. A professional can help you create a plan and develop strategies for coping. Just because something hasn't worked yet doesn't mean it never will.
Another step is establishing healthy, daily routines that support well-being. This could include getting enough sleep, eating regularly, exercising, spending time outside or setting aside several minutes each day for relaxation or mindfulness. Consistency in these small habits can make a big difference in stabilizing mood and reducing stress. Building structure into your day helps you feel more in control, which is especially important when everything else feels overwhelming.
“You’re never too far gone to recover,” Bella said.
Healing isn’t linear, and it’s okay if it takes time to find what works for you. The most important thing is that you don’t give up on yourself or the hope that things can get better because they will. Remember, progress often comes in small steps, not big leaps, and every step forward counts, even on the hard days.
Keep advocating for yourself and keep believing that your story is still unfolding. There are people who care deeply about you and want to see you heal, even when it doesn’t feel that way in the moment. You deserve support, peace, and joy in your life. Healing takes time, but with persistence and the right help, things truly can and do get better.
To submit a question or tell me what’s on your mind, fill out the Google Form here, or email me at askainsleyatiu@gmail.com. I’m only an ask away!
Ainsley Foster (she/her) is a senior studying elementary education and Children’s Mental Health.
