College students across the country already have so much pressure on their plate. Aside from just being a student, there are pressures to get internships, have a good social life, and be involved on campus. I know so often myself and the people around me feel like they're pulled in so many directions.

According to recent interviews with several college counseling center directors, 95% of those surveyed said the number of students with significant psychological problems is a growing concern in their center or on campus. In a 2013 survey, reported by Psychology Today, 57% of women and 40% of men on college campuses said they experienced anxiety that was extremely overwhelming.

I myself am a member of the 57%, and this number will likely continue to rise over the next few years. Since this is becoming such a common problem for students at universities across the country, why is there still a stigma against people with mental health problems? Because these numbers will only continue to rise, it is important to know how to help the people around us, so that our generation can ultimately break the stigma.

The first step in ending the stigma against mental health problems, especially on college campuses, is being educated about what the people around you are going through. Anxiety and depression and other issues are similar, but not the same. Knowing the difference helps to steer clear of using generalizations or making stereotypes about people with mental health problems because, at the end of the day, these illnesses don't define them, in the same way that a physical illness or injury wouldn't define that person either.

Do your research, because it will help you help others.

Going off of that, trying to see mental illness in a similar light as other physical conditions can also help. A person can't control that they have a physical illness, and neither can people with anxiety, depression, or other mental health difficulties. While anxiety can present physical symptoms such as frequent headaches or trembling, this is not controlled by the person themselves. It is purely a mental condition that causes people to be constantly worrisome and fearful.

It's a common misconception that people who have anxiety or anxiety symptoms just need to take time to "chill" or "calm down," but that simply isn't possible for them. At every second, they are thinking about so many things, and can never really "calm down," no matter how much relaxing they do. It's just how our brains are wired.

It is also important to recognize that everyone's mental health is different, no matter whether they have a mental health disorder or not. Because of this, you can't treat everyone the same. Some people prefer to talk about things, while others would rather sit quietly. In my case, I like to talk about what's bothering me with the people I trust, and prefer to be surrounded by friends when I'm having a panic attack or just not feeling like myself. It's important to read what your friends need, and help them in the way that will best suit them.

While anxiety, in particular, may be a well-defined illness with known symptoms, everyone experiences them differently. For example, I frequently have trouble sleeping, but I don't usually have physical pain, which may be more common for others.

Above all things, the most important thing you can do if you know someone with a mental health condition is to be there for them. Acceptance is really the first step in this. People who truly have mental health problems usually don't tell a whole lot of people about it. They don't want the whole world to know. If someone confides in you, accept what they are telling you, because for a lot of people, simply opening up about their problems is a huge challenge, and feeling comfortable enough to do so can also take time. I've had these problems for years, and most of my friends both at school and home never knew until recently because I finally was willing to accept how I am and let everyone know what's been going on.

People with mental health disorders have good and bad days, so sometimes it may seem like they're perfectly fine, but this isn't the case. There may be good things that distract them from what's going on, but just because your friend seems happy at one point, doesn't mean the problem no longer exists. The best thing you can do is simply just be there for them, whether to listen to what they have to say, given them a hug, or even just sit there with them. A lot of times, something as simple as the comfort of another person can make a world of difference.

Many times, your friend may need some kind of therapist or other help, but a lot of times they are either afraid to go alone or even afraid to reach out to the necessary professionals. Don't be afraid to help them get the assistance they need— —in the long run, it can make a huge difference.

Mental health problems are a very real and growing problem in our world today. The stigma is also very real, and part of the reason that many people don't reach out for help.

Unfortunately, society seems to oftentimes push mental illnesses under the rug because they aren't as visible as other health concerns, but mental illnesses can be deadly if not treated. With the number of college students dealing with these types of illnesses only rising, it is more important now than ever to break this stigma and give the people around us the love and support that they need.

If you or someone you know has thoughts or actions regarding suicide or self-harm, reach out to the National Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255.