If you’re a depressive struggling with the overwhelming weight of finals suffocating you, I feel you. This year has been the year to top all years, and not in a particularly positive way. Our worlds have been thrown on their heads since March, and since then, things don’t feel the same.

And with the holiday season upon us, there is yet another weight added to our crumbling shoulders: seasonal depression. It strikes every year, and for many it’s an addition to the depression they already deal with every single day. This year even has some added spice known as pandemic depression. What a triple threat that is!

So, what are you supposed to do when you don’t feel like doing anything at all? Maybe you haven’t found the energy to simply shower or brush your hair. Maybe you haven’t been able to check BOLT, because you know the list of assignments awaiting you will send you into a panic attack. Maybe you have a shift tomorrow and the idea of being around other people right now scares you. It’s perfectly okay to feel like that. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and depressed, your feelings are completely valid. This is a very challenging part of life, and all of these added stressors certainly aren’t helping.

But you need to know that even if you simply wash the dishes after being too sad to get up for a few days, you’re doing great. Every little thing that you do to better yourself is something to be proud of. I’ve been having a decent amount of trouble finding time to do things for myself and many of you probably are too. I’m a full-time student, I work full-time, and I’m involved in organizations. So, it can be very difficult simply finding the time to actually breathe and relax.

I’ve found that specifically working time into my schedule to do things for me helps. I’m the type of person who likes to write everything down because I’m worried that I’ll forget it. Maybe I’ll plan to do my homework at a certain time so that I’ll have a specific time to go for a walk. It might seem strange to write out when you’re going to relax, but having things on paper seems to solidify them.

You just need to remember that you’re working your hardest. You’re literally surviving through a pandemic! And not just that, you’re taking college classes at the same time! That in itself is an accomplishment. Before you know it, finals week will be over, and you’ll have two months without school. I think we’re all eagerly awaiting the start of this break.

Remember that even if depression is totally kicking your ass, you’re doing amazing. Your mental illnesses don’t determine your worth. So just take some time for yourself and take things one at a time.