According to the American Psychological Association, over 40 percent of college students struggle with anxiety. These statistics are incredibly high, yet there's still such a stigma when it comes to talking about anxiety (and mental illness in general). Being someone who struggles with anxiety, I thought I'd share a few ways that I've been dealing with my anxiety in the hopes of sparking the necessary conversation about mental illness.

1. First thing's first: find your support group.

Having even just one or two good friends who will be there for you no matter what is so incredibly beneficial. Stress and anxiety isn't always rational, so make sure your support group gets that you might have a freak-out moment, and it might not have any rhyme or reason to it.

2. Find a way to release your stress.

For me, I love to knit and paint. In high school I was heavily involved in theater and the visual arts. People's stress and anxiety relievers vary and it's important to find an activity that works for you.

3. Find your emergency stress reliever.

Sometimes, stress and anxiety just build up and there's no healthy release. When you have your breakdown, you need to find a way to calm yourself down as quickly and healthily as possible. I like to make tea or partake in breathing techniques (as lame and cliché as that sounds). This can be where you support group can especially come in to play' sometimes you need other people to be there and calm you down because you're too far in your own head.

4. Finally, remember that your anxiety and stress are normal and not your fault.

You're not a freak. You're going to be okay. You're not bothering anyone with your problems. You're worth the attention people are giving you. Life goes on.