This is such a dicey topic. Everyone likes to think that these types of mental issues exist, but, the truth of the matter is, even the happiest of people in your friend group could be suffering behind closed doors, and you would have no idea by how they carry themselves.

There's a stigma that comes along with mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. People are more than likely to help out those who are suffering from a physical issue or disorder rather than acknowledge that anxiety and depression are two valiant issues that thousands upon thousands people face daily, and they need help just as much as someone who has a broken leg and needs physical therapy. It's hard to go to someone who has hardly any idea as to what it's like to live with a disorder such as anxiety or depression.

It's extremely hard to be so out-going, so eager to meet other people, but in the back of your mind be scared of judgement. "Do I look okay? What if I say the wrong thing and people look at me differently? What are they whispering about? Did I say something wrong? They're talking about me, I know it." It's the desire of wanting to go out because you don't want to be alone, but then you go out and you end up regretting everything and worry about every move you make and every word you say. It's such an odd thing to deal with. You want to be able to go out, enjoy your time with your friends, but you're too worried about how you're perceived by others. Just because those girls are whispering doesn't mean they're talking about you. They may be talking about what happened with the guy they're sitting by, but, because you jump to the worst possible conclusion, you assume everyone in the room is against you.

You begin to think that everyone hates you; "What do I do? Do I leave the room? Do I ask if they're mad at me? No, they'll think I'm being crazy if I'm trying to ask what they're talking about and if what they're saying is pertaining to me. Is ____ mad at me, and that's why she's whispering to her friend right after I just talked? No, just chill out. You're fine. Am I? You're fine, shut up." And it's just this irrational cycle of stupid thoughts, and they begin to consume you. You see a tweet that is 0.5 percent related to something going on in your life, and you begin to think back to any and every encounter you've ever had and there goes your entire attitude for the rest of the day.

There are days when I don't want to get out of bed. I don't want to have to go out in public and put on a happy face. I don't want to play okay, and I don't want to have to play along like everything is okay. It is extremely difficult to be the friend that is hot and cold with their attitude and their habits. It's honestly the most crippling thing to deal with, your own nasty attitude and not knowing how to articulate your words to talk to others about your thoughts because you're scared of being judged.

I love going out and being around other people, because for the most part, it helps me think of ways to get my mind off of my issues and just have fun with people who love me, but it's not always the easiest for me.

You're probably thinking as to why I even wrote this article for all of you to read. You're also probably thinking why don't I just get a diary and write this for my own personal keeping and not talk about this, because no one cares to hear about issues such as anxiety and depression. But the fact of the matter is that more people than you know are suffering from this issue, and it's honestly crippling.

I want to be the one to be able to say, I feel where you're coming from. I feel your pain, I fight your battles along-side you. You are not alone, just like I am not alone as well. As college students/young adults, we all have experienced anxious moments and horrible days when we don't want to do anything but sulk in our bed. But we all have limits, and we are challenged to push those limits and grow stronger because we pushed ourselves further than what we originally thought we could do.

Remember, you are not alone. You can seek help and counseling for your anxiety and depression. You are not stupid for admitting you need help. Only the successful fall and refuse to stay down. Get out there and make something of yourself. You are loved, you are valued, and you are important.