'I have everything I want, but happiness'

I used to be a confident, happy-go-lucky person in college. This changed after I started to work. I stopped having relationships after I turned 22 and am now approaching the age of 30, still single. I don't smile much, don't meet friends more than once a year and can't remember the last time I went to a party. This may be depression, but there's no reason why I should be depressed. I have a good job, a home, a car, but I can't bring myself to start dating again. This is affecting me a lot because I want to settle down at some point. My parents are worried and want me to speak to a therapist, but I don't like the idea of medication because I'm afraid of what it can do to me. What should I do?

The fact that you recognise the existence of a problem is good, because it means there's a part of you that wants to fix it. There are no identifiable reasons for depression, and millions of people go through life dealing with it because they don't want to ask for help. Bruce Springsteen has reportedly suffered from it for decades. If The Boss has no problem asking for help, you shouldn't feel compelled to deal with this on your own. Speak to someone. If medication is an issue, consider speaking to a counsellor first and discuss your fears. There's always time to fix this. If you can't identify what the problem is, allow a professional into your life who can help you figure it out. You only live once. Why throw away a chance of living a happier life just because you were afraid of speaking to someone? Think of who you were in your twenties and keep that younger self in mind when you speak to someone. You can be happy again, if you let yourself do it. Easier said than done, of course, but that's why you need help. Don't be afraid to ask for it.