I distinctly remember one of my professors saying during my first semester, "it would be easier to me to count the number of students I have without anxiety than the number who has anxiety." Anxiety has become an epidemic among college students. So many struggle from this illness that it almost begins to feel like it is contagious. If one of your friends is worrying about something then shouldn't you be worrying about it too? What's harder is that many college students aren't fully aware of how they can handle anxiety and how they can continue with every day life while struggling from it.

I had anxiety since before I came to college. Panic attacks in high school were hard to deal with. When I came to college it was like I packed anxiety into a suitcase and made sure to bring it with me. It was almost like packing one of my favorite shirts away. Anxiety became a part of me that I couldn't leave behind. I had to take it with me and continue living with it as I tried to also live through four years in college. Like many other college students there was a lot in college that sparked my anxiety even further. Grades, roommates, classes, professors, and friends all make it even the more difficult to function in college. All of these things spark more anxiety for some of us and we aren't sure what we are supposed to do to not feel that way. It's hard when you can barely sit in class or hang out with your friends because you are worrying about something or even about nothing.

I started using meditation to overcome my anxiety the summer before my freshman year of college. I kept doing this into my freshman year because of how helpful the practice is. Though meditation sounds strange to many people, anyone who has ever practiced it and enjoys it knows how helpful it can truly be. Meditation helps you focus on what's actually around you rather than what you might be worried about. This also helps you focus on deep breathing. Deep breathing during an anxiety attack is key in trying to calm it down. Both of these things are simple to do in college and help to deal with anxiety as it comes.

I also like to write in a journal, especially when I am feeling anxious. Writing out all of my feelings and emotions and thoughts is cathartic and helps me to let the anxieties go. It's nice writing something down and not having to worry about feeling judged for what you say or what someone else might say in response.

Anxiety is hard to live with, but it's manageable when you find practices that help you feel better and there's always the option of asking for help.