I have always been at the top of my class, worked to support myself, involved in many extracurricular activities, and played sports. I have always enjoyed these attributes of my daily life and do not regret any of it. As the years pass by, the list of activities gets smaller and smaller. This isn't because I don't enjoy doing these things anymore but because life gets harder and stress can easily take over.

Living the life I live, I never thought I would have to worry about my mental health. I have always lived in a happy home and my family has backed the way I choose to live my life and are proud of my accomplishments. I was wrong, poor mental health can affect anyone at any time, no one is "special." You have to work to maintain your mental health, no one is always just happy-go-lucky all the time no matter what their social media may look like. Stop comparing yourself to social media, people only post what they want you to see. I'm sure every single person you follow on Instagram has their bad days too, we all do.

Being in school is especially hard on anyone's mental health. I have to write about 50 pages, take three exams, and design a website in the next four weeks before graduation. On top of that, I need to find a new job and a place to live. School is not easy, no one ever said it was but you have to be in control. Take a day every once in a while to do nothing but binge-watch your favorite Netflix show.

I am the queen of saying I don't have time for a break, but I promise, you need to make time for your own health. There have been several days I've just cried because I'm so stressed. I had anxiety to the point I was having trouble breathing, and I just forgot to eat because I was so busy. Slow down, make a list and everything will be okay. What is the worst that can happen if you don't turn that paper in on time? You get a grade reduction, it's okay you do not have to be perfect. Talk to your teacher, there's a good chance they will understand.

I have always agreed that mental health is important. In recent years people are starting to talk more and more about how important mental health is to your well-being and it is not such a taboo subject anymore. Many companies will allow you to take a mental health day off of work, and there are numerous hotlines you are able to call if you just need to talk to someone that is not your friends or family, take advantage of this.