As the title says, I feel like I'm falling so far behind everyone else in life. I'm 24 and still working towards a degree. I was at a university, changed my major a lot and couldn't find something I wanted to stick with. My depression made it extremely difficult with classes. I couldn't get out of bed, I was falling behind and I kept dropping classes because I couldn't take it. I ended up dropping out and going to a community college to find something. I'm majoring in computer programming and I truly enjoy it. It's very difficult, but I enjoy it. Depression makes it even harder. I was on meds, but I stopped taking them (stupid, I know). I've been on and off medication since I was 18 and I'm easily discouraged because none of the medications made me feel better. I'm still sad a lot and I have no motivation. I've been looking for a psychiatrist, but the copays are expensive, even under my insurance. I work in a restaurant and work has been incredibly slow. It's hard to go into work, knowing you aren't going to make any money. It's so discouraging and makes me shut down, lol.

I know other people have it worse than I do and I'm thankful and appreciate the opportunities that I have. I try not to complain about things, but this has just been eating me alive. I feel so far behind the majority of my friends. They've graduated, have good jobs, gotten married and are starting families. I try so hard not to compare my life to other's and I know that everyone goes at a different pace, and that's completely fine! I just feel like my pace is far behind everyone else's and I have the desire to catch up. Has anyone else ever felt like this? What did you do to improve it?

I just turned 27 and starting my junior year of college, so I understand where you're coming from. I put off going to school for a variety of reasons, including feeling burned out from high school ( I worked my butt off and needed some time to unwind) and family reasons. It was tough for me to get started at school, I felt awkward surrounded by people who were younger than me. Luckily, I made a great group of friends who didn't care at all about my age, besides the occasional teasing lol. I'm glad you found something you enjoy and you're working towards it.

Sometimes I feel like I've missed out on things, and that I'll never catch up to my peers. I definitely compare myself to other people, you're not alone there. I'm seeing more of my friends getting married and having kids, and I wonder if it's too late for me. Doesn't help that my parents are now asking me about getting a boyfriend and marriage. They mean well, but it really stings honestly, like what I'm doing isn't enough for them.

I'm trying to focus on the fact that I'm doing something with myself, and that I'm making progress on my goals. I'm telling myself that my path is my own, that eventually I'll get to where I need to be. Prayer helps for me, it helps calm me down when feeling overwhelmed. Basically, I'm taking things one day at a time. Most days I get by, but sometimes it's a struggle to stop criticizing myself for not being where I think I should be. Then I remind myself that I wouldn't have met the friends I have if I done things sooner, and wouldn't have the memories I have. That helps a lot, to think of the good that is currently in my life. If you ever need to talk, I'm willing to listen.

Sometimes I think I'm behind too, but then I remember that there shouldn't really be a 'goal' or a 'place' where people of a certain age should be, in my opinion. When I was going to college there were women in their fourties and fifties attending in my class!

I would really try not to get so down on yourself. You're doing things at your pace, and with the depression it certainly doesn't make things easy, so you should be proud of yourself for getting to where you are! Enjoying what you're studying, despite the challenges, definitely makes things easier. Also have you tried maybe searching around for some other jobs? I've definitely been in the 'I'd rather get into a car accident than go to work' frame of mind and it's definitely not fun, and maybe a change of pace at somewhere new will help?

- I feel like that a lot. I'm 25 and still at my parent's place. I have an AA degree which means nothing in terms of jobs.

I have depression as well and it's made life very hard. I was on pills for 3 years, but had to quit recently after I was given too many and had Serotonin Syndrome. I've gone though days full of happiness and hope and days full of sadness and hopelessness.

What keeps me going is me trying for a Bachelor's in Information Systems Technology as well as the future I have with my fiance.

I feel ya.

I'm turning 27 next Saturday and I'm unemployed, still living at home and still trying to get done college. I took some time off to help my parents after my mother had her left knee replaced and I never went back. Now, it's like... what am I doing?

I'm hoping to get back to college at some point, I just gotta find the want to go up and deal with it. x_x;