General tips to help you get through when things are getting tough:

• Exercise and eat regularly

• Get enough sleep and have a good sleep routine.

• Avoid excess caffeine which can increase feelings of anxiety and agitation.

• Avoid illegal drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.

• Learn relaxation exercises (abdominal breathing and muscle relaxation techniques).

• Develop assertiveness training skills. For example, state feelings in polite, firm, and not overly aggressive or passive ways: ("I feel angry when you yell at me.” "Please stop yelling.”)

• Rehearse and practice situations which cause stress. One example is taking a speech class if talking in front of a class makes you anxious.

• Learn practical coping skills. For example, break a large task into smaller, more attainable tasks.

• Decrease negative self-talk: challenge negative thoughts - with alternative, neutral, or positive thoughts. "My life will never get better” can be transformed into "I may feel hopeless now, but my life will probably get better if I work at it and get some help.”

• Learn to feel good about doing a competent or "good enough” job rather than demanding perfection from yourself and others.

• Take a break from stressful situations. Activities like listening to music, talking to a friend, drawing, writing, or spending time with a pet can reduce stress.

• Build a network of friends who help you cope in a positive way.