To begin, I'd like to state that everyone has his/her/their own stress. No stress is greater than another. No problem is worse than someone else's. I feel like as a society we like to downplay other people's worries or misfortunes. Here is a list of phrases I never want to hear again:

"Well that's not as bad as my problem"

"______ should feel lucky because ______ had this way worse thing happen to them."

"You really don't have any reason to feel _______ way because you have ______"

"That's a stupid thing to be upset/stressed/sad about"

Stop.

These toxic phrases cause humans to develop a sick I-can-top-that mindset. Instead of one-upping, we should be supportive. Here are some alternative phrases you could say:

"Oh, God. I'm really sorry about that. I can empathize because of ________ that happened to me. If you need any advice or someone to vent to that kind of understands you can ask me."

"That really sucks. Your problems are important and should never be put on the backburner. Let's talk about this."

"Man, I'm really sorry for this bout of bad luck you are having. Maybe thinking of some of the great people and things in your life could help! Let's go out to dinner with some friends this week. Maybe that will make you feel better!"

"Do you want to talk more about why that particular thing makes you upset?"

Of course these were a little forward. But you catch my drift. Be loving. Nurture, do not destroy. Next, my old friend stress. Now stress is a tricky little thing. It always seems to pop out of nowhere and at the most inconvenient times. Excellent ways to deal with this demon are:

First, identify your stressors.

Some of mine include yelling, feeling like I'm messing up, little sleep, tons of homework, tons of commitments that I love but can't squeeze in and many, many more. Know them and make sure to avoid or decrease them.

Figure out your happy things. Whether it's a good book, a bomb dot com friend or 15 hours of "Friends," make sure you do something for yourself every once in awhile. I love watching "Bob's Burgers" with my boyfriend.

Breathe.

Lean on people who love you.

Because someday you will be sitting in your laundry room at 3 a.m. with your thighs burnt from a stupid water kettle and six assignments due the next day, and your best friend will be there to make jokes.

Know when you need outside help.

There is nothing wrong with seeing a professional to help some too big problems. Don't ever let someone tell you otherwise.

How can we be proactive friends, partners, sisters, brother, grandparents, etc.? What are steps you can take to be that rock in someone's life?

Watch what you say. Sticks and stones may break my bones but, in reality, words leave some nasty psychological scars. Be kind, my children.

If you notice someone being uncharacteristically different (not sleeping, eating, avoiding social interactions, excessive alcohol/drug consumption, etc.) step in. Ask if they need someone.

If someone is suicidal, self-harming or a threat to themselves do not leave it up to someone else to help. You may be the only person that can save a precious life.

Eat cake. Cuddle a kitten. Take a day for for yourself. Try your best to rid toxic thoughts and people from your life and take each day one at a time. I believe in you. No matter what you are facing you can do this. You are wonderful and deserve to be celebrated.