Having a mental illness can be exhausting, especially when there's such a negative stigma that surrounds it. The most frustrating thing I've ever experienced as a person with depression and anxiety is having to explain and prove myself to others just because they didn't believe in the validity of my mental illnesses. I've learned to ignore the negative things people say to me, whether intentional or not. However, these are 11 things that have been and are still said to those with a mental illness that hurt more than they help.

1. Just be happy.

My mental illness is not something I have control over, so I can't just "be happy." If I had the choice, I would obviously choose being happy over being depressed.

2. Get over it.

Again, if I could just "get over it," I definitely would. I would not put myself through the mental and physical pain just because I wanted to.

3. It's all in your head.

Most mental illnesses have symptoms similar to low self-esteem and low self-worth. Yes, the negative way I think about and view myself is in my head, but it's also not something I can control. I understand that my thoughts can sometimes be irrational; it doesn't need to be pointed out to me.

4. I know how you feel.

While two people may have the same mental illness, they do not suffer in the same way. Symptoms, treatment, environment, etc. can all have an effect on the way a person with a mental illness suffers. Just because you also have anxiety doesn't exactly mean you know how I'm feeling.

5. Have you tried exercising/eating healthy/other form of coping mechanism?

If you aren't my doctor or healthcare provider, please don't suggest treatments for me.

6. Well, (insert treatment method) helped my family member/friend/acquaintance.

Every person's treatment varies. What worked for your cousin or your best friend might not work for everyone.

7. I don't believe in taking medication for a mental illness.

I am a firm believer in the medication I take every morning. It has changed the way I live my life. However, if another person benefits from talk therapy and not medication, that's great. Different people need different treatment.

8. There are people who have it way worse than you.

Thank you for reminding me of all of the terrible things happening in the world, but that doesn't have any correlation with my mental illness.

9. No one wants to be around someone who's depressed/anxious all the time.

There's already a deep rooted fear in those with a mental illness that their friends and family don't care about them - why would you add fear that they'll be abandoned on top of that?

10. Everyone gets sad/stressed out sometimes.

There is a huge difference between depression and sadness, anxiety and stress, etc. That's why everyone isn't diagnosed with depression after having a bad week or with anxiety after being stressed about a test.

11. You just have to wait it out. This feeling will go away on its own.

The longer you wait to get treated for strep throat, the longer you'll have to suffer. Why should it be any different for a mental illness?

The way society treats mental illness is damaging to those who suffer from one. The stigma can cause a person to be ashamed and suffer in silence. The best thing you can ever say to someone who confides in you about a mental illness is, "I'm here for you." Just knowing that they're not alone in their fight helps more than you could ever know.