Many people will struggle with anxiety at some point in their life. Whether it’s public speaking, taking a test or just general stress, anxiety flows all around us.

“There are specific anxieties, like test taking anxiety, anxiety connected to home, and trauma. People can have generalized anxiety that’s sort of predisposed,” Shannon said.

Whether it’s stress, overwhelmed, panic attack, or actual anxiety, feelings are valid, and you can always reach out for help.

“We like to think we’re so independent, but we’re very connected. Humanity has to be connected for survival. Everybody in their life is going to be helped at some point in their life,” Shannon said. “Lots of people don’t want to be a burden on others.”

Especially for students, there are barriers that keep them from reaching out for help.

“It’s hard [to ask for help] because we live in a very high pressure [society],” Shannon said. “You might share it with friends who are also going through stuff, and then you might feel like you’re burning them or that it is all you’re talking about.”

The thought of having anxiety or a mental disorder can also be scary.

“I think people are worried about being labeled, or not being accepted because they might have, a condition that makes them stand out. They want to blend in,” Shannon said.

Getting the care you need not only helps you but also those around you.

“Once you’ve had that experience of accepting help, you can help others, too,” Shannon said.

It’s important to be able to recognize when you are starting to feel stronger emotions.

“Breath is one of the biggest things that everybody can learn to be aware of that can help you when it comes to overwhelming things.It resets the parasympathetic nervous system,” Shannon said.

Having multiple coping skills is a good idea because not everything is accessible at the moment, especially with the new policies in tact.

“Some people have apps on their phone, but, you know, now with new phone policies, you can’t really access that [at school]. It’s just helpful in general, to have different techniques,” Shannon said.

There are quick sensory items that can relieve stress as well.

“Little fidgets, something that’s quiet, [can be useful.]. A mint or lotion that engages the senses can be really helpful for anxiety,” Shannon said.

Anxiety can be hard to handle, and if you don’t know where to start, try finding a trustworthy person.

“Find someone who’s sort of outside your box, someone who can be non-judgmental, someone you know can support you,” Shannon said.

This can also consist of close friends, parents or trusted adults. It’s different for each individual.

“It can be very powerful to be in that process of receiving help and just understanding that that’s going to help you in the long run, being able to get back,” Shannon said.

At the moment, getting help may seem scary, but if you trust the process, it can really help you.