Dear stressed-out student,

You're feeling pretty crappy right now, huh? I've been there; I know it's not fun. You probably feel like you want to crawl under a rock and hide until everything that's stressing you out is all over. Sorry to break it to you, but unfortunately it doesn't work that way. I know, I've tried. You need to face it so you can move forward from it. It doesn't matter if it's schoolwork, your job, romantic relationships or friendships, extracurricular or something more personal. It doesn't matter how you got there, what matters is how you're going to handle it.

Given the fact that you probably feel overwhelmed by everything, it's going to be hard to sit down and think about how to handle everything. That's okay. First things first, take a deep breath to try to relax for a moment. Clear your head as best as you can. This is going to make it easier for you.

You need to calmly assess what's bothering you. Is it something that's minor or more extreme? Is it one thing in particular or a bunch of issues coming together all at once? Is it something that's really worth stressing over or will it work itself out without the added stress? Once you've figured that out, think about how you're feeling and how you're going to handle everything. Do you need to talk to someone? It could be a friend, professor, or a counselor. You could talk to a sibling or your parents. Despite what you may or may not want to tell a professor or a parent, they are more helpful than you think and want you to succeed. Don't be afraid to talk to someone if you need to. It's okay to admit that you need a little help to get through something. Don't ever be ashamed of it. We all have our moments where we need a support system to hold us up. It takes real strength and courage to ask for assistance in a difficult or stressful situation; it doesn't make you weak.

Maybe you don't need to talk to someone. Maybe you need to find a relaxing activity to wind down and get through it on your own. That's okay, too. You need to do what's best for you. Sometimes a cup of tea or coffee can do wonders for relaxation. A bubble bath or hot shower is always a great way to clear your head. If physical activity is more your speed, take your stress out on a treadmill at the gym or the backboard of a basketball hoop. If putting on a chill playlist helps to calm you down, do it. Perhaps eating your favorite comfort food helps. You know what? If you need to cry, then cry. Sometimes a good cry makes a big difference in getting through something.

You can get through anything. You are stronger than you think and you can come out on top. You can beat your stress and show it who's boss. It doesn't matter if you need a little help along the way. What matters is that you get through it. You'll be stronger because of it. You can handle it. Don't put yourself down. Just stay positive and push yourself through it all to the end. Try not to stress about the little things.

Being stressed out sucks–– there's no denying it. But, when it's all said and done, you can get through it. It's going to be okay. You are strong enough.

Love,

A friend