Anxiety is something that is so prevalent in today's society. Although is affects all ages, it amazing me how many of the teenagers and young adults of the world struggle with anxiety and depression.

In my story, I relate to these disorders very personally. During my junior and senior year of high school was when I started realizing that I did, in fact, have a problem. I would be sad for no reason and cry constantly; it was as if I had become a new person who cared too much or not at all. Of course, like just about every teenager, I had my first real heartbreak, but unlike many others, this stuck with me to this day.

However, this did not start my anxiety disorder, it did have a big impact on how I handled it. It was not until my senior year of high school that my family and I decided that I needed professional help. I went to the doctor and was prescribed medicine to help with my anxiety, depression, and sleeping. Along with this, I was to see a counselor once a week, and, long story short, it did not do much for me. I went through quite a few types of medicine until we found one that actually made a difference. Although this did not solve my disorder, it really did send me down a better path. I was no longer self-harming or having anxiety attacks when small triggers were hit.

I know how it is to feel alone in the world and that nothing will get better, and when others feel this way, it breaks my heart for them. I decided to create a list of the things that help me the most when I feel that I have hit rock bottom and have nowhere else to turn.

1. It is OK to relapse.

I cannot stress this enough. When you have an anxiety attack, no matter how severe it may be, it is OK. These things happen and once you push through, they only make you stronger. One thing that helps me is to journal when I feel something coming on. I take deep breaths, put on some of my favorite music, and write down everything I am feeling. By doing this, it feels as if you have let it out and released certain tensions that were weighing you down. Another thing that I love is taking a long shower. There is nothing more freeing than physically washing those toxins and emotions out of you.

If you struggle with being alone but not wanting to be around actual people, this is normal. I have often felt this way as well. There are so many resources that can help you whether that be calling a friend, a family member, or even as serious as calling a suicide hotline. There are people that care and will be there for you, I PROMISE this. You are not alone in being overwhelmed or feeling these things.

Relapsing is OK, you just have to push through and continue on.

(If you do not know how to handle yourself during an anxiety attack remember that you must breathe. Try counting to 100 and thinking about only that. I know that this is easier said than done. Another thing is when you feeling one coming on, make sure you surround yourself in a safe environment with someone there. I would always be alone and those were the times that I would not be able to contain myself and I would do some pretty dangerous things. Please just do whatever you can to be surrounded by those that love you and can help. If that is not possible and this is very severe, do not be afraid to call for help. Here is a link to some resources that you should absolutely use if the situation is serious.)

2. Go for a run.

As much as physical activity might seem like something you are entirely uninterested in, take this from the girl who hid during gym class as a kid, give it a try. I have always hated running or doing push-ups because someone told me to. However, some people have told me throughout the years that running relieves so much stress. Exercise gives you endorphins which trigger your brain to feel happy. I started running a few years ago and have actually grown to love it because I do it for me ... and not anyone else. When I am running, it is as if I am freeing myself from every problem I have and simply flying. I know that this might not be the same for everyone, but I strongly encourage anyone struggling with too much stress or anxiety to give it a try.

3. Spend some time getting organized.

I am the type of person that makes a to-do list every day (at least once). I find that when I feel put together and more organized, I am more at ease. Whether that means cleaning your room, setting out your clothes for the next day, packing you lunch or backpack, it really will make a difference in your life.

4. Look into your school's counselor.

When I was at home, I saw a counselor but it just never worked out. I never found the right person I could open up to. However, I have so many friends and loved ones who see a counselor and have been helped wonderfully.

I know for a fact, that Point Park University has a counselor that is absolutely fantastic. I plan on seeing her soon for my own personal issues. I recommend trying out your school's counselor because talking to someone who you does not know your life story and is only there to help you. They are trained professionals who will give you actual advice.

If in person help is not something you are comfortable with, an online site I recommend trying is "Lantern".

5. Eat well-balanced meals.

Anxiety is not just something that affects your emotions, and it is certainly not only caused by stress. Your eating habits can affect your mood more than you think. So try to think, less pizza and more fruits and vegetables.

College can be a place filled with peer pressure and parties, however, many people do not realize that alcohol can trigger anxiety and depression like crazy. Just be aware that the next time you are faced with a situation involving alcohol, keep in mind what it will do to your emotions and your mental health, ESPECIALLY if you take medicine for your anxiety. Alcohol is a depressant. It can reverse the effect of your medicine and make things much worse.

6. Get some sleep.

Although anxiety can commonly lead to insomnia, sleep is vital.

Here are some tips for falling asleep:

1. Melatonin! This is a lifesaver!!

2. Herbal tea. Decaffeinated brewed tea is so helpful in relaxing your muscles and calming your mind. It also comes in a BILLION flavors.

3. Put your phone across the room. Set your alarm for the next day and leave your phone alone at least 2 hours before you lay in bed. This will only distract you and keep your mind going.

4. Clear your mind by counting. When you lay down (just like in the nursery rhymes), try counting sheep or counting to 100 and then count backward. The idea is to keep your mind focused on one thing.

7. Find your special calming activity.

A very popular trend currently is the adult coloring books for relaxing. I cannot tell you how many of these I have and use them ALL. These are one of the many things I do almost daily to calm myself and keep a clear head. There are so many other things you can do in order to keep yourself busy rather than over thinking, you just have to find your personal activity.

8. Be the best YOU can be.

You will never be perfection. No one ever will. So why strive for perfection? The only thing you or anyone can really do is be yourself. As Dr. Seuss says, "There is no one on earth who is you-er than you." Accept that you cannot control everything, and things do in fact happen for a reason. That reason may not make sense, but it will make you a stronger person.

9. Learn your triggers.

Everyone who struggles with anxiety is triggered by something, even if it is the smallest and slightest thing. If you learn what your major triggers are, you can prepare yourself and even try to prevent them.

Some of my main triggers are bad news, talking about certain things that have happened to me, and even social situations. Everyone is different with their triggers, social anxiety is a very broad and popular trigger. If this is something you struggle with, you should absolutely try to make yourself as comfortable as you can be in these types of situations because socialization is unavoidable in this life. Push yourself to go through drive-thrus or asking a waiter for napkins. Sometimes, if you I push myself into facing my fears, I learn to deal with them better.

All in all, I truly want each and every person to be proud and as happy as they can be in their own skin. I hope this was helpful and please try to stay positive. Things may seem like they will never look up, but the sun will always come out tomorrow. You only get one life, so make this one the best you can. I am so proud of everyone and their accomplishments.