Being a psychology major is great and really interesting. We get to help people and learn all about the brain and the way it works. While psychology can be fun, it can also be really stressful. There's a lot of reading and a lot of theories to learn and keep straight. On top of that, we get a lot of criticism and are often not taken seriously (I'm looking at you, Jeb Bush). Below is a list of the most common and most annoying comments that all psych majors have heard at some point or another.

1. So you can analyze all of us and figure out what our problems are?

I mean I could try if really really want me to but no, no I cannot tell you "what your problems are". I'd be happy to talk with you and give you advice but I'm not a genie. I can't automatically fix everything that you say is a problem.

2. Well, you'll sure get a lot of work with all of the weirdos around here.

This is probably the most annoying comment that EVERY Psych major has heard at least once or twice. I get it, people are trying to be funny and make conversation but honestly, it's not funny and it's actually kind of offensive. Not only does it diminish the work of psychologists and more specifically counselors, but it also suggests that people who seek therapy are all crazy and that is a stigma that needs to stop immediately.

3. You definitely have to go to grad school. You know that right?

**MAJOR EYE ROLL** While it is true that many Psychology majors do go on to grad school, it's not absolutely essential in order to get a job. Psychology majors work in many different areas such as social work and child care just to name a few, but yes, I am aware that a Masters degree may be required in order to get the job I want in the future.

4. You know, you probably won't be able to find a job when you get out of college.

Again, this is not always true. I know Psych majors who interned while in college and were offered a job before they even graduated and I know Psych majors who waited until after graduation to find a job and guess what... they did find one. If you look hard enough, whether you go to grad school or not, there will be places that will hire you.

5. Well, I guess you could teach.

Yeah, I could and teaching is great, it's actually a career I've thought about but it's not what I want to do. If I wanted to teach, I'd go to school for that instead.

6. Do you really want to just listen to people whine all day?

Yes, someone actually asked me this! It's not listening to people whine! It's listening and talking with people and helping them... and yes, I do want to help people. Again, STOP ADDING TO THE STIGMA THAT SEEKING HELP IS WRONG!!!!!

7. Psychology is really easy, isn't it?

When people say this one, it honestly takes just about all of my strength not to freak on them. Sure, your Intro to Psychology class you took freshman year may not have been the hardest or most in-depth class, but I assure you not ever Psych class is like that. Try learning about multiple disorders and keeping all of the symptoms of each one straight and then tell me if you still think Psychology is easy.

8. Can you read my mind?

NO! No, I cannot but if I could I'm sure it would be saying something along the lines of "I know nothing about Psychology". Remember, I said I'm a Psychology major not a psychic.

9. Can you tell my (whoever) that I really do have (insert specific mental illness)? They don't believe me.

Ughhh... this one. First of all no, I can't just automatically diagnose you based off of one, maybe a 5-minute conversation. Secondly, maybe I could help you after I get my degree and we actually sit down and talk but as of right now, no, I am not going to help you convince your mother, brother, sister, boyfriend, or whoever that you have a mental illness.

10. So do you guys just have group therapy sessions in place of lectures?

Now, I'm not going to lie to you. I've had classes where we do have group therapy but no, it isn't all we ever do. We still have lectures. We still have readings. We still take notes and yes, we do still have tests.

11. Psychologists aren't real doctors.

I honest to God do not understand why people feel the need to say this. It's not like we're going to walk into an operating room expecting to be like Meredith Gray and cut some guy open. We realize that we don't have the same qualifications as a medical doctor but many psychologists do have a Doctorate degree so those people kind of can be referred to as doctors.

12. I think Psychology is interesting and all but I'd never want it to be my major.

Well, that is fine and dandy for you but I happen to really enjoy Psychology and I am extremely happy that I chose the major I did, but hey, to each their own.

Despite the criticism and the common, albeit, annoying comments and questions I get asked. I love being a Psychology major and I wouldn't have it any other way.