I have dealt with anxiety my entire life. Tiniest events that would not make my classmates freak out would make me start shaking and feeling extreme anxiety. For a long time, I felt alone, but later on in life–particularly when I started college–I realized so many of my friends where experiencing the same feelings. It was as if we were not allowed to talk about it and we had to deal with our anxiety in silence. My best friend taught me it was okay to speak up and share my experiences with others. Based on everything I learned while being a student, here are a few words of encouragement for every student dealing with anxiety.

Walk Away from Anxiety Triggering Situations

People with anxiety know even the tiniest thing can make us feel anxious. Sadly, we cannot avoid those situations because they are part of our daily life. However, we can learn to walk away from anxiety triggering situations. If you feel like something is not benefiting you, take a step back. Do not be afraid to say no to taking part in events that make you feel anxious. In class, you can reach out to your teachers and explain what you are feeling if participating in class is hard for you. The more you talk about it, the more you will realize people around you understand anxiety.

Find People you can Talk to

The worst part about dealing with anxiety is thinking you have to do it on your own. Yes, it is hard to talk about, but you should find people you trust enough to talk about it. It was difficult for me to deal with this, but it became easier once I realized I could talk to my friends about it. Being able to express what you are feeling and talking your emotions over helps you take control of the situation and relax even if it is just a little bit.

Ask for Help

Asking for help is always the hardest part. We never know where to start or who to reach out to. But you need to remember there is nothing wrong with asking for help. If your anxiety is getting out of control, there are people who can help you handle it. Therapy is always a great option. There are other people who can help you in college. Do your research and find out what support groups your school offers. There is always someone willing to help.

Remember it is Okay

Having anxiety is okay. Being anxious is okay. There is nothing wrong with what you are feeling or how certain situations make you feel. This is what you need to remind yourself every day. Anxiety is not a bad thing, but sadly we are made to feel like it is. This is why it is important to have a support system that reminds you there is nothing wrong with you. Tell yourself anxiety is just a part of you, and you are still a strong person.

Being an anxious person can be terrifying. We feel alone and as if no one else would be able to understand us. But the truth is so many people around you are dealing with anxiety as well. That is why we need to talk about it more. We need to have each other’s back and push forward. If you are dealing with anxiety while in college, reach out to your friends and teachers to ask for help. The most important thing is to remember having anxiety does not mean there is something wrong with you.

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