can DACA bring happiness?

I applied for DACA late, currently submitted my papers and awaiting my paper work to be processed and during this time I'm going through a massive amount of depression. I try not to but I blame the status of my life and lack of friends on immigration status. I've been hiding from people, really afraid to let people know what has been going on. I'm lonely and miserable as hell. I cry randomly when I'm alone. I'm really hoping that after i get my paper work my life will have some resemblance of normality.

Those of you who got the paperwork and are in the process of straightening your life out, is it really possible to find happiness? Past 10 years of my life have been such a roller coaster since high school graduation. I really really want to feel normal and be happy again.

I'm sorry to hear how much of a tough time you're currently having, we've all had some highs and some lows to some extent and it takes a toll on you sometimes, but please keep your head up my friend!

I'll tell you about my experience. Before my approval, I was always very nervous and always worried about almost everything. I'd graduated college a couple of years earlier, and I dreaded talking to people for fear of them asking me why I wasn't working, why I couldn't drive, why I only paid in cash for everything, and so on, since I didn't even have a bank account.

After my DACA approval, it was a surreal feeling, and it still took me some time to realize that certain things that I didn't qualify for previously were now open to me. The process of getting my work permit, social security number, opening a bank account, driver's permit and eventually my license, getting a job, etc., have been nothing short of surreal and a blessing. I was a bit nervous to take the steps to accomplish those goals, and it's still a fight to push through your nerves to get these things done, but it gets A LOT better with time.

DACA helped provide me with a sense of normalcy, and due to me now being busy, it has helped me to reorganize certain things in my life. For example, I find myself letting go of negativity much faster and I don't waste my time anymore with any of that. I do think that happiness comes fron within, but the freedom and opportunity that DACA presents helps in encouraging happiness without a doubt. Also, I don't avoid people as I used to; so overall DACA WILL change your life for the better. It takes time for it to really sink in, and you have to keep pushing to achieve your goals, but this program is nothing short of a life changing blessing.

When did you send your application? Why don't you try exercising? When I say exercise I don't mean going to the gym for 3 hour every day, but going for walks to the park maybe? Try eating healthier and be sure to get enough sleep. Of course there are a million reasons to be depressed when being in this situation, but you're so close to getting your DACA....Keep your head up!! And try to talk to someone about this... maybe it'll make you feel better, a family member maybe?

It will change your life, I promise!! I recently been approved, it still feels surreal. I got an ID and a drivers license, I don't have to be so paranoid when I drive now. I'm not scared of so many things now. I finally feel like I can start serving my purpose in life. I can finally work! Please try to change your mentality, as we are not victims. We have an amazing opportunity in front of us and we have to make the most of it. Be prepared to work hard! Our dreams can now become reality. So to answer your question DACA can bring happiness, BUT only if you want it to.

Let me tell you something, DACA or Citizenship will not change the way your emotions/mind works. It will take some anxiety off your shoulders, but it's only replaced by other anxieties. We're creatures of habit. Do yourself a favor and while you wait to be approved, work on yourself. Eat right, meditate, be active and take some chances. Life is too short to be down in the dumps all the time.

While I was waiting for my approval it was the slowest and most depressing time of my life too cause it was constantly on my mind, after I got approved, it changed my life for the better, we'll worth the wait, trust me

The last 4 months have been pretty baller. Got a job, been going out to bars w/ friends. Getting a car in a few weeks. Flying out to see my sister in DC for 4th of july. I mean I practically have no worries in my life for at least the next.. 16 months or so.

The only thing that I regret is my stunted social development. Haven't been dating or going out much due to lack of money and transport so I've got to catch up on all that before it's too late.

Thank you. I am trying all of these things. It was just difficult because I received the Request for Evidence and have had a hell of a time running around in circles from the public elementary school telling me I have to go to the school district and the school district telling me to go to the school. It's been almost 20 years since I went to elementary school but i finally got a letter of some sort to submit for evidence. I guess i'm just really nervous as to if that evidence will suffice. I do hope so. Thank you for all of the suggestions. I do talk to friends and family, they do listen but I feel I'm burdening them sometimes with the same story over and over again that really can't be changed by them. I really do appreciate this website and all the people here.

I agree with you about the stunted social development. I think I've been hiding for too long. I guess the thought of a normal life soon also scares me in a way. But really looking forward to it.

Thanks for the words of encouragement!!