Some of my strongest memories of growing up aren’t playing with friends or goofing around, but being so overcome with anxiety that I would sit in my room and cry. That was 15 years ago, but I still face the same struggles that I had to deal with as a child. The only difference is that now, I know how to manage it. I’ve had a long time to figure out what works to relax me when I'm down, and what doesn’t.

Medication

I have had so many people tell me about how they don’t take medicine because they can deal with it on their own and that taking medicine makes them feel weak. This is frustrating because the medicine is here to help you. If you are not able to function normally, but medicine can help you, why not take it? You should never feel weak because you need to make medicine to manage your symptoms.

Lists

Throughout college, I’ve had my ups and downs. When I was at one of my lowest points there was about a semester where I had a really difficult time getting out of bed each morning. I felt like I had nothing to look forward to. One day when I was feeling like this, I decided to make a list of everything positive that was happening in my life. I focused on the little things that were going on that made me happy, even if it that you saw a dog while going to class. If you start to notice the little things that are going well in life, it helps to put things in perspective.

Shower/bath

This is probably my favorite because taking a shower always calms me down. I mean, we all know how relaxing it is. It's a way to get rid of all distractions. Showers/baths are the easiest way to get a little personal time.

Talking it out

I’m lucky to be surrounded by family and friends who will listen to me talk till I’m blue in the face. Whether it's your mom, friends or a therapist, talking about what’s on your mind is a great way to help clear it. If there's one specific thing bothering you that you just can’t put your finger on, maybe this will help you figure it out.