Because I've had a lot of experience with full-blown panic attacks from stressing over school while simultaneously dealing with life's problems, I've slowly learned how to keep a positive mindset and keep my mental state as healthy as possible (which is not easy to do). Since high school, my goals have always been to work as hard as I can in school, have everything else together (responsibility-wise) in life and just not fall apart... though that's exactly what happened many times, anyway. So now that I am going into my third year of college, I'm so thankful and proud of myself to have made small yet impactful changes in my life that have helped control my anxiety, relieve stress and get me through each day without so much weight on my shoulders carrying me down.

I wanted to share the few tips I can give that I believe will help others just in case you're looking for the same answer I was looking for when in the same crappy position. Stress can really damage you emotionally, physically and mentally. One thing that is very hard to realize and understand is that no one is perfect. As a person, you can only do SO much. So if you've been waiting for a sign, this is that sign! Start putting yourself first and focus on making these small changes little by little to benefit yourself. If the someone decides to complain, take your attention away from your goal, or blame you for their problems... you need to drop that person (or thing) ASAP...and that's only step one.