You might be reading this because you also have anxiety and panic attacks. Or maybe you're curious about what life with an anxiety or panic disorder is like. While living with both has definitely not been easy, I've certainly learned a thing or two because of it.

1. Finding the right therapist can be hard.

Every therapist has their own methods and personality, and it can take a while to find one who you feel comfortable talking to. It can take many frustrating visits to different therapists to find the right one, but most of the time, you'll easily be able to tell when you do.

2. Getting medicated isn't as simple as just getting a prescription.

Just like with finding the right therapist, it can take a while to find a medication that works for you. Starting medication can cause all sorts of different side effects, and different medications sometimes won't work together. It's also very, very important to tell doctors all the medications that your on, since certain combinations of medicine are dangerous.

3. Some people don't believe in mental illness.

It sucks, but you will meet people who'll tell you what your experiencing isn't real, or is made up to sell medications. While it's annoying to hear, you have to understand that someone who doesn't have mental health problems probably won't understand what you're going through.

4. It's important to recognize the warning signs of an anxiety or panic attack.

Learn how your body acts before you have one, and keep these warning signs in mind. Next time you notice them, find a way to leave the situation, or a way to calm yourself down.

5. Find your happy place.

This can be an actual, physical location, or a happy and peaceful memory. The phrase "go to your happy place" may sound cheesy and cliche, but during stressful times, going to that place of think about that memory can actually be really helpful in calming yourself down.

6. Don't avoid new experiences.

Trust me, I know that sometimes trying new things can be uncomfortable or scary, but don't avoid new things out of fear. I was incredibly nervous to start taking yoga classes, and I was honestly afraid that people would judge me for not being that flexible. Now, those classes are one of my favorite things to do.

7. Let your therapist know what's been going on in your life.

Being open during therapy sessions can be uncomfortable at first, but with a therapist you feel comfortable and safe with, opening up and sharing can help you and your therapist figure out the best ways to keep you happy and healthy.

8. Some people may have learned about anxiety and panic disorders from incorrect sources.

A few months ago, there was a Tumblr post floating around telling people that if their friend was having an anxiety or panic attack, they should pin their arms down, hold them tightly, and not let them go. For many people, this will only make an anxiety or panic attack worse. When it comes to looking up information online, there will always be false sources Unfortunately, as long as this incorrect information online, there will always be people who find it and believe it to be true.

9. Don't ignore and avoid things that need to be done.

For people living with anxiety or panic disorders, things such as making a phone call or going to meet with a professor can be overwhelming. While it can be tempting to just avoid everything that makes you uncomfortable, it's important to not avoid things that you need to do.

10. Take care of yourself after an anxiety or panic attack.

Go someplace where you feel safe, take a shower or a bath, listen to your favorite song, call a trusted friend and ask if you can hang out or talk, or call your therapist and ask for help.

11. There's no shame in asking for help.

Doctors and therapists are here to help you -- after all, it's their job. While making that first therapy appointment feels like (and is!) a big step, it's a step in the right direction. And while opening up to a therapist can be intimidating at first, remember that they're not going to judge you.

12. Real friends won't judge you for mental health disorders.

While you don't need to open up to your friends until your ready, know that your friends shouldn't judge you or make fun of you for what your going through.

13. There's nothing like a good creative outlet.

Find something creative that you enjoy and that makes you happy. Personally, I enjoy using painting and singing to express how I'm feeling and lift my spirits.

14. Some people will assume that they need to talk to you like you're a child.

I don't really know why, and it's definitely annoying, but some people assume that they need to talk down to you once they find out that you have an anxiety or panic disorder. While this seems to happen most often with adults, people your age might do it too. If this annoys you, you should speak up and explain that they don't have to talk to you like you're five.

15. What helps other people might not help you.

I had a friend with anxiety tell me that I should hire or get someone to come help my organize and clean my things to help me feel more peaceful. While this tactic might help her, for me, the idea of someone touching my things and potentially breaking or losing something important makes my skin crawl. A lot of people you meet who also have anxiety will often give you advice on what's helped them, and while you can try using these tips, understand that you might not find all of them helpful.

16. Never underestimate the power of a bowl of mac and cheese.

Or any comfort food for that matter. I'm not saying to always deal with your feelings by eating, but sometimes, there's nothing better than a warm bowl of cheesy, carb-filled goodness.

17. Make sure you have a support system in place.

Sometimes, you just really need to see a friendly face or hear a kind voice. Having friends or family who are happy and willing to be there when you need them can make a huge difference, especially on bad days when you need to hear someone you love say "it's gonna be okay".

18. Some days everything might seem overwhelming.

Keep in mind that everyone has their bad days. Sometimes everything seems to go wrong, or you might feel as if you can't do anything right. On days like this, reach out to your support system or therapist, try doing something that makes you happy, go to your happy place, and remember that bad days don't last forever.

19. There's comfort in doing things you know that you're good at, but remember to keep learning new things.

In my personal experience, learning new things has made me feel more confidant, and has helped me take my mind off things when I'm having a bad day.

20. What you're going through doesn't make you less of a person.

No matter what, you're still a human being, and literally nothing can change that. You didn't choose to have an anxiety or a panic disorder, nor did you ask anyone to have one. No matter what happens, remember that you deserve to live, and that you matter.