When I was about halfway through middle school, something changed. I couldn't quite pinpoint what it was, but I knew that something was different about me. Some days in class, I would feel like the walls were closing in, and I would look around to see if anyone else was freaking out ... spoiler, it was just me. When I would stand at my locker between classes, the loud noises and crowds would make me feel dizzy, and I couldn't wait for the hallway to clear out. Sometimes I would just be sitting in my room alone when the feelings started coming on. It took me several years of confusion and embarrassment to figure out that I had been struggling with anxiety.

In the beginning, the label felt like a death sentence to me, and I was terrified to tell anyone about it. I felt like I couldn't be a normal teenager, and that thought destroyed me.

But fast-forward seven years and a whole lot of experience, I've accepted my anxiety as just another part of who I am. Sure, there are still some hard days, but I know that I'll get through them and get back to the good days in no time. Now that I go to a pretty high-strung university, I know that anxiety is actually much more common than you'd think. Every single person in the world experiences anxiety, whether it's a mild thought every now and then or regular anxiety attacks. What kills me is that there's still a stigma around anxiety! I think it's about time that we stop having hushed conversations and start spreading awareness and acceptance.

Even though I've accepted and come to terms with my anxiety, I know that there are hundreds of thousands of college students out there who are still struggling. For those of you who are still trying to find your peace, just know that it gets better, no matter how cliché that phrase is. You've survived 100 percent of your bad days so far, and I believe that you have the strength to keep going. When I was younger, the most difficult thing I ever had to do was reach out for help. Admitting that I was overwhelmed made me feel weak. I felt like a failure because I couldn't manage my anxiety on my own. But the thing is, reaching out for help shows an incredible amount of strength and bravery. And if you surround yourself with a healthy support network, you will be setting yourself up for success. So find your people, and ask for help when you need it. You won't regret it.

I can't even begin to tell you how many times I've let my anxiety hold me back in life. Sometimes my dad would ask why I had cancelled a plan, and I would say "I just can't today." I missed countless days of high school because I was scared that I would have an attack in the middle of class. I've turned down invitations to parties and events, and I've cancelled plans with friends at the last minute because I felt like I would explode if I left my house. And for what? For fear of an attack that might not even happen? For fear of other people's perceptions of me? Boy, do I feel stupid about all the memories I missed out on. But as Pumbaa the warthog once said, "You gotta put your behind in your past..." or something like that. I can't go back and drag my past self out of bed, and I can't change my decisions to miss out on some really amazing opportunities.

What I can do is move on from these mistakes and live my life with no regrets from here on out. I refuse to hide behind my anxiety, and I will not sacrifice potential happiness because I'm afraid of something that might not even happen. I can use my past experiences to help educate and support others who struggle with anxiety. And, most importantly, I can live with my anxiety. I don't have to let it define me, and I certainly don't have to apologize to anyone who doesn't believe that anxiety is a real issue.

So, to those of you out there who find yourselves struggling to make it through your bad days, know that I am on your side. Know that you are strong, brave and capable of anything. And, above all else, just know that you can.