When searching for colleges as a senior in high school the one thing on my mind was: “where the heck do I want to go?” It was a confusing time, everything was moving so fast and I was being pressured to make some big decisions for my future.

One thing I knew was that I didn’t want to end up at a school where the majority of my classmates attended as well. Going to an entirely new place with no one I knew was a scary thought but it was better than attending a school that still felt like I was stuck in high school.

As a small-town girl, the thought of going to a huge university with class sizes of 400 where most professors don’t know your name just didn’t appeal to me. I was going to be out on my own for the first time and I wanted an environment that I knew would be a great fit for me which is how I landed at Barton College in North Carolina.

Barton College is a small, private liberal arts college in the city of Wilson, NC. It has a small, close-knit environment and class sizes average around 13-20. It has a variety of majors and minors but the one I set my sights on was Mass Communications, which had numerous concentrations within the major. I chose Journalism as my concentration and psychology as my minor- the two things I love the most.

During my time at Barton I was able to do everything I had set out to do: major in something I was very passionate about, become a member of the collegiate cheerleading squad, and I made the best decision ever when I became a sister of Phi Mu Fraternity.

Coming to Barton was a huge move for me as I was the only person in my entire county to come to Barton. After going to school with the same people for my entire life I was about to venture out into a new place where I didn’t know a single soul but it ended up being the best choice I had ever made. It came me a chance to really find myself and build a new life with new people. With my cheer squad and my sorority I had a new family and support system and it truly made Barton become my home away from home.

Although my life has had many ups and down during my time in college I wouldn’t trade one second of it. Barton became my second home and the people I encountered during my time here are some of the most important people in my life. My professors, advisor, coaches and the members of my team and sorority have all had a difference in my life, whether they know it or not. I will always be thankful to Barton for making my college experience and unforgettable one.

Anxiety and depression have a way of taking charge of your life and swallowing you whole. It can consume you and the suddenly you feel like you’re drowning. It can make everyday tasks such as going to class, going out with friends, completing assignments, and just leaving your room seem like you’re about to face your impending doom. This has been something I've dealt with since I was a kid, some days are better than others but no matter what I've learned that you can’t let your anxiety hold you back from living your life.

Here are a few things I've learned that help me deal with anxiety and depression and hopefully they’ll help someone else dealing with the same thing.

1.      Time management is KEY!

The main thing that has helped me out is keeping track of all of my assignments, extracurricular activities and other things. Keeping a planner and having all of the things I need to do all in one place helps me stay on track and keeps me from stressing out about missing things. Making to-do lists and keeping reminders in places that I look at constantly like my phone and on my desk help me to make sure I do everything I need to and helps me stay organized. Maintaining organization makes me feel like I have my life together and keeps me from stressing.

2.      Keeping a journal

One of the things I learned from my counselor was to write down the good things that happen during the day, it keeps me from harping on all of the bad things that have happened or could happen. I keep my writings in a notebook that I keep by my desk and at the end of the day I write down the good things that have happened during the day. One of the downsides of anxiety is that it is often paired with depression, having one can be hard; having both can be a nightmare sometimes. This trick also helps me with my depression because one of the things I will do is let the bad things take over and then from then on- everything is terrible. Journaling helps me remember the good things for when I need to be reassured that even when things seem dark there’s still a light at the end of the tunnel.

3.      Skipping class or missing things is a big no-no.

Something that I dealt with was whenever my anxiety and depression became too much to handle is I would shut myself off from everything. My depression kept me from wanting to get out of bed and live my life and then my anxiety would kick in because I would stress about missing things and falling behind. It’s a constant battle. Making yourself get out of bed in the mornings can seem like the hardest thing to do when all you want to do is be alone but you've got to do it. The more things you miss, the more stress you’ll be under and the worse you’ll feel. Be good to yourself and get up in the morning and start your day, it’ll pay off in the long run.

4.      Sleep helps!

Disorganized sleep patterns are a result of anxiety and depression and can affect how you feel. It can range from getting too much sleep or not getting enough sleep- either way you just end up feeling exhausted and then you don’t feel like doing anything. Try to go to bed at a decent time and set an alarm so you can get up feeling refreshed.

5.      Music can be your best friend.

Music has always been my go-to whenever my depression and anxiety become too much to handle. Songs that have the ability to put you in a better mood are so important because when things get rough and you need something to help calm you down and sooth your nerves. I keep a playlist of my favorite songs that help me on my phone so that when I’m out and I start to feel anxious I can listen to them it helps so much.

6.      Don’t be afraid to get help.

Getting help was the last thing I wanted because it felt like I was admitting something was wrong with me and I didn't want to seem crazy. Dealing with anxiety, depression or anything else does not make you crazy and it doesn't mean something’s wrong with you- that’s something I realized after I finally decided to get help. I began receiving help after I let my anxiety and depression rule my life. I had stopped going to class, I didn’t want to see my friends, I wouldn’t talk to my mom about the things that were actually going on, I didn’t want to do anything but sleep because when I’m asleep, I don’t have to deal with life. It started to get bad and my anxiety attacks became more frequent and I had gotten to a really bad place in my life that I had fought for years to bring myself out. I didn’t want to see myself get bad again so I decided enough was enough and I sought help and it was the best decision I had ever made. I now have a wonderful support system that is behind me every step of the way and it felt like a weight was lifted off of my shoulders. Talking to someone about the things you are going through helps because it lets you know that you’re not going through this alone.

7.      Finally, just BREATHE.

When you feel like things are getting to be too much, just take a moment to gather your thoughts and just breathe. It’s okay, you’re allowed a moment to yourself to get yourself together. If you’re feeling anxious to the point where it seems like everything is caving in and that you’re going to have an anxiety attack, take deep breaths in through your nose and exhale through your mouth. It helps regulate your breathing and slows your heart rate. Take a break from life every once in a while to do things you love whether it’s writing, reading, exercising (which also helps with anxiety on its own), just do things that make you happy and keeps your mind at ease.

These are a few tips that help me with my anxiety and depression and I hope these will help others dealing with similar issues. You’re not alone; don’t destroy yourself when you already have anxiety and depression trying to do that for you. Telling someone with anxiety or depression to "be happy" or "just calm down" is like telling someone that's on fire to stop burning. Everyday will be a challenge but it doesn't have to consume you. It's not something that's going to go away overnight but you can find ways to manage your life. Stay strong.