Dear Peer,

It's one of the biggest things that can affect college students. The reasons they struggle on exams that they know all the material to, sit by themselves for longer than is healthy, and feel afraid to open up: anxiety. But just because you have it doesn't mean you have to let it take over your life.

The social stigma you think is there isn't real.

Many people are afraid to speak up or even look at ways to help themselves because of what society says. But know, there is nothing weird or abnormal about you. Everyone handles situations differently, and some people just need to take a little more time and maybe an extra deep breath. No one is going to judge you for struggling with yourself. And that being said, you don't have to tell anyone but the people you trust. So don't stop yourself from feeling better because of the social stigma that you perceive is there.

You have to help yourself so you can love yourself.

You can be happy again. No one is stopping you but yourself. Those days you spend alone because socializing is too hard? They aren't healthy. The moments you feel like the floor dropped out from under you and you can't breathe? They don't have to happen anymore. You are a wonderful person with every right to be able to be happy and love yourself completely. So let yourself be happy.

A better life is right around the corner, you just have to take that first step.

There are so many ways you can start helping yourself today, but the most important is to talk to someone about what you're going through. It's a lot harder to go through something on your own than with a friend. And if you really need it, confide in a professional. But don't be scared that if you talk to someone you'll have to start a medication or see them regularly.

Different things work for different people. Some people use medication and it works for them. Other people use de-stressing techniques. This can be anything from stress balls and coloring to yoga and meditation, as well as everything in between. Once you find something you like and that works for you, it's just a matter of fitting it in to your schedule.

Most importantly, remember that you are not alone.

You are not the only person going through this. You don't have to feel like no one will be on your side or so lonely anymore. 40 million US adults suffer from an anxiety disorder and 75 percent of them experience their first disorder by the age of 22 according to the ADAA. You have people to turn to and others' experience to learn from. A whole life ahead of you that you still have to live to the fullest. So don't let yourself struggle alone anymore. Reach out, get help, or find a way to help yourself. You are not alone.

Sincerely,

Someone Who Understands