It seems to be a common narrative that everyone just can't wait for this year to be over and I couldn't agree more. 2017 has been a mess in so many ways. It seems like everything just took a turn for the worst this year and no one can wait for the fresh start 2018 will inevitably bring.

Personally, this has been the year from hell and while there's was plenty in the news that made me want to cover my eyes and ears and run for the hills, it was the experiences in my personal life that made this year so awful. I was always the friend everyone came to if they wanted to talk about their mental illness, and this year, I became the friend who needed someone to talk to. Here's what 2017 taught me.

1. It Can Happen to Anyone

For the longest time, I thought I was immune to mental health issues. That just wasn't the type of person I was. This year I watched myself along with some other incredibly strong, entirely normal individuals take a downward spiral with mental health. Literally anything can happen, and anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses can sneak up on anyone.

2. It's Okay to Ask for Help

If you've never had a panic attack before, you'll be certain you're dying the first time it happens. Having people I could trust to reach out to in those dark moments was so important to my literal survival this year.

3. Mental Illness Affects Everyone Differently

Having the same diagnosis as someone else doesn't mean that you'll be experiencing the same things or benefit from the same treatments. Every person is different, but that doesn't mean anyone's illness is any less prevalent.

4. A Diagnosis Doesn't Make Things Better

For the longest time I had no idea what to call what was going on in my head. I didn't want to self-diagnose, but I definitely wasn't fine. When I was finally given a name for what I was facing, it didn't change anything. It just made all of my symptoms a little easier to understand.

5. Not Everyone is Going to Understand

There are going to be people you can stay up all night talking to about it, and there are some people that are never going to understand why or how you're feeling and coping the way you are. I think this was the hardest thing for me to accept this year.

6. Good Days Are Such a Blessing

Any day I wake up, want to get out of bed, and don't feel anxious all day is a win. I've learned to enjoy those days just a little more this year.

7. Every Little Victory is Still a Victory

Some times the greatest thing I accomplish in a day is waking up and brushing my hair, and some days that's a big deal too.

8. Self Care is SO Important

I don't think there's anything more vital than taking days to listen to what your mind and body are telling you.

9. Crying is Good for You

Unfortunately for me this usually happens when I least expect it and I spent way too much time crying in the library this year.

10. Everyone is Struggling in Their Own Way

On this journey, I've struggled more to find people who weren't facing issues of their own than I did to find people who were battling something.

11. Balance is Important

I've discovered that if I focus too hard on one aspect of my mental health, all the others start falling apart. Finding time to take care of all the parts of yourself is extremely beneficial and extremely difficult.

12. It Gets Better

No one is stuck in that low place forever. Mental illness is either a roller coaster or a cycle, but you always come back up.

13. Sometimes it Gets Way Worse Before it Gets Better

I'd be lying if I said there weren't days I didn't think it could get any worse and it did. That's when it's most important to remember you won't be stuck like that forever.

14. Not Every Coping Mechanism is a Good One

My favorite methods for dealing with my problems include distracting myself, pretending they don't exist, and taking a lot of naps. While all of them appear effective (at least in the short run) none of them are recommended by my therapist.

15. It's OK Not to Be Okay

Sometimes wallowing in your sorrows is the best you can do and sometimes that's OK.

16. Sometimes You Have to Rely on Trivial Things

Whether that means looking forward to plans that haven't been finalized or relying on your flakiest friend for cheering up, it's okay if it makes things a little better for a little while.

17. Mental Health is Just as Important as Physical

It's so underrated by so many people, but if I don't take care of my mind, I literally stop taking care of my body. They are so interconnected and both so important.