After you have survived finals, it is time to go home. Going home requires interacting with family and while family is loosely defined in all other aspects of life. Blood relatives will always be the first to claim the title. Going home also means the holiday season. Putting on a face and interacting with your relatives, many of which you probably have not held a conversation with since this time last year. I am not going to tell you that it will be easy, but you will get through and if going home is dangerous for you, there are helplines and people throughout the country who would be more than willing to help you or at least listen to you discuss your troubles and feelings.

Do not rely on alcohol or other substances. A reliance on anything is unhealthy and can snowball into a real problem especially if what you are reliant on is illegal or you consume these substances and attempt to drive, you can endanger others as well.

Do not put all of your stress on your significant other or best friends. I understand that you need an escape but we are all experiencing a plethora of awkward and stressful family reunions and you do not want to or have someone resent you for your leaning on them.

Do set up boundaries, after finals, take a few days to yourself and unwind because unfortunately the holiday times can be a prolonged visit with just as much stress.

Trust yourself, no one has experienced exactly what you have or are going through. Comparing your life to that of others will accomplish nothing but frustrate you to your very core.

Remember that you can survive this. No matter how stressful or unhealthy your family can be, you have survived this far and you are here for a reason. You have accomplished so much in your life and nothing and no one can take that away from you.

Family is loosely defined and your family is much more than who you are related to. But, who you are blood related to will always be a part of you. And something that you will always have some ties to. Do not let your family or the holidays get to you or get the best of you. You are better than this and you most definitely deserve better than this.