As someone who has spent the majority of her life battling anxiety, I've heard a lot of stupid phrases and sayings directed at me. And of course, I know that a lot of that was meant to be helpful or to calm me down, and I always appreciate the sentiment, but there is only so much that I, and other people who suffer from anxiety, can do. There are no switches in our brains that we can flip to shut it off--trust me, I would if I could.

It's hard to understand something that you've never gone through, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't try. Mental illness is tough, both for those dealing with it and those who have someone in their life struggling from it.

However, understanding that someone is going through a rough time with their anxiety doesn't mean you're exempt from their anger if you say something stupid to them. You're confirming their worst suspicions; even if they explain it to you, there's no way to know if you truly get it.

So please, stop saying all this.

1. "Stop worrying so much."

Yes, thank you, that's very helpful. And by that, I mean it's not. Trust me, I'm trying my best.

2. "There's nothing to worry about."

The thing about having anxiety is that I am able to worry about literally everything. I will find something to worry about.

3. "You're being crazy."

Thank you for confirming my worst fears. Oh, and might I add, what a wonderful thing to say to someone with a mental illness.

4. "Just calm down."

"Calm" is not a word that's in my vocabulary. Also, I'm trying.

5. "It's all in your head."

Well, yes, it's a mental illness. Maybe next time you could tell someone with asthma that it's all in their lungs.

6. "Just get over it."

Once again, I'm trying my hardest. Pressuring me to hurry up with that is not going to help.

7. "You seem fine."

It is a mental illness, which makes it hard to see. But trust me, it's all very real, and I'm not fine.

8. "Stop being so negative."

I'm trying my best, but when I worry, I become negative. It's a vicious cycle.

9. "Don't be so dramatic."

To my brain, this is something I should be legitimately worried about. I'm not trying to be the center of attention or trying to be dramatic.

10. "Just ignore it/think about something else."

The problem is, I am thinking of something else. I'm thinking of everything. And ignoring one thought will just lead to me worrying about another.

11. "Everybody gets nervous, it's okay."

I understand that, but having anxiety and being nervous are not the same thing.

12. "Stop overthinking everything."

I'm not trying to overthink; it just happens. I'm worrying, and worrying, and worrying, and I'll try to stop it, but to no avail.