I'll eat to that!

Although college can be the best years of your life, it isn't always fun and games. Living on your own and thinking about your future can be really stressful. If this stress isn't handled well or the anxiety gets to be too much, there is no shame in asking for help. 

Mental health topics can be taboo, but not talking about it creates fear that keeps people from getting the help that they need. Whether it's anxiety, depression, an eating disorder, etc., you are not alone. I struggle with an anxiety disorder, and the times when it gets the worst is when I convince myself that I am alone and no one else will understand.

The reality is, there are so many people struggling, and if we realize that being vulnerable can create change, we start making progress in our own mental health journey. Talking about it with people who care about you makes everyone more open to getting professional help like therapy and medication, which is very beneficial and sometimes necessary. 

Another great way to combat any struggles with anxiety or depression can be to remain in community. Pulling away from other people can dig a deeper hole for you and your loneliness. If you allow yourself to be loved and surrounded by other people who care about you, this can be healing. Many of my friends have struggled with eating disorders, and another thing that has been a huge help is accountability. Ask your friends to challenge you and ask you the hard questions. It can change your life. 

No one really loves to admit that they are struggling, especially if they fear judgement or dismissal of their problems. Sometimes it just takes the courage of going first in vulnerability. If you are surrounded by people who care about you, it will be met with kindness and love, and it may even spur them on to be vulnerable themself. 

The Bible addresses anxiety and worry when Jesus tells us to "look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?". We are so valuable to the Lord, and He will take care of us even when we don't know it.