1. I'm not perfect.

I can try my best to be. I can put on a brave face, making everyone think I'm okay. I can post pictures on social media that are all smiles, but I know what's really going on behind the scenes. All that really matters though is that I'm here. I'm still doing this. And I'm doing it the best way I can.

2. Getting out of bed is a little victory that should be celebrated.

Getting up to face a day full of unknown things that you have no control over is terrifying. Just leaving your room can expose you to a kind of vulnerability that your mind isn't always prepared for. So when you do it, take a deep breath and keep putting one foot in front of the other. And if you can't do it some days, take a deep breath, snuggle up under the covers, and know you haven't failed. Some days, you just have to take care of you instead of your homework.

3. Medication doesn't mean I'm crazy.

It doesn't matter how many prescriptions you're on or how many supplements you take. You know how you would be without them. You know that those little pills have increased your quality of life in ways you could never imagine. You don't need to be ashamed. You just have to accept your reality and do what's best for your mind, body, and soul.

4. I don't need to apologize to anyone for anything.

You didn't do something wrong by having anxiety. You're not inconveniencing people when you lose your shit. You have people in your life who know you, who know what you need, and who know how to help you. You don't need to be sorry for the things you can't control.

5. I can keep going.

Anxiety isn't something that you deal with for a day here and there and in between it disappears. You have triggers. You have daily struggles. Your mind can affect your physical health. But you've been doing this. You are doing this. Recovery is continuous. Find one good thing every day. Celebrate yourself. You've made it this far and you'll continue to make it each and every day.