Living with an anxiety disorder can be tough, but the experience can be improved when you have a good support system surrounding you. My family, best friends, and teachers have all helped me figure this whole thing out for almost a year, and I can't thank them enough. If you know someone living with an anxiety disorder and aren't quite sure how to support them, continue reading.

Author's note: There are a plethora of ways to support someone with an anxiety disorder; these are only a few.

The first thing you can do to help your friend is to ask them what they need. This is something you should do continuously; our needs will change. Different triggers bring upon different levels of anxiety, and these different levels require different coping methods. If you and your friend are at a party, and you find that your friend's anxiety is preventing them from having fun, pull them aside. Ask them if they need to step outside for a few minutes, if they need to talk, or if they need to go home.

The second thing you can do is research coping mechanisms (deep breathing, meditation, and so on) to do with your friend when they're having a panic attack. Again, asking them which mechanisms they prefer is the best way to get started. If your friend likes the "four-seven-eight" breathing technique to calm themselves down, make sure you know how to coach them through it. (It involves inhaling to the count of four, holding your breath for a count of seven, and exhaling to the count of eight.)

The third thing you can do, which is (arguably) the most important thing on this list, is to be a presence in your friend's life. Just knowing I have people to turn to makes things easier, because I know I always have someone to listen to me. However, it's important for a supporter to recognize that sometimes, we don't always want to talk about our anxiety. Sometimes, we need some time for self-reflection and much-needed alone time.

Whatever you and your friend decide on for a coping plan, make sure your friend's needs come first. Make sure they are the ones making these decisions, because they will feel like they are in control. Giving control to people with anxiety is a big step towards giving them their lives back.