Dealing with anxiety is a difficult thing. An anxiety disorder can cause someone to panic, have their breath shorten and their pulse accelerate. Whether you suffer from an anxiety disorder or know someone who does, we all know that it is extra difficult to do things that others find easy. The most important thing is to have a strong support system, whether that includes teachers, friends, or parents, because having someone to talk to is essential in coping with any mental disorder. Unfortunately, it is very easy to upset others or for these people to become bias if they are not well aware of what they should say to help someone through their anxiety.
Here is a list of things not to say to someone with anxiety.
1. You’re overreacting.
Yes, I know I am but I can’t help it. Having an anxiety disorder means that you will panic about the most ordinary things. Whether it’s getting up to talk in class or having to go to the bathroom, anxiety disorders can be triggered by many different things. The last thing someone wants to hear during an anxiety attack is that they’re overreacting or being dramatic. Saying things like this can be extremely hurtful as someone with such disorder cannot control what they feel.
2. It’s not that big of a deal.
No matter what sets off someone’s anxiety, you should never tell them that it doesn’t matter or it’s not a big deal. Truth is, if it’s enough to set someone off, then it is a big deal. Dismissing someone’s emotions only because you do not feel the same way is wrong and hurtful. This shouldn’t be done in any situation, especially those involving people with anxiety.
3. Just calm down.
This is one of those things that leaves you thinking, “Gee, if only I had thought of that!!” The obvious thing here is that stating the obvious does not help. Telling someone with anxiety to just calm down is like telling someone who is drowning to stop drowning. It doesn’t help, at all, and only reminds us that we aren’t in control of our emotions.
4. People have it worse.
Truth is, you shouldn’t be saying this to anyone. No matter what the circumstances are, people feel pain and emotions differently and you shouldn’t dismiss someone’s pain only because there are people in more severe circumstances. Everyone handles emotions differently and are triggered more or less than others.
The point is, never dismiss someone’s emotions. Having anxiety is a difficult thing and the only thing that helps is support. Being brought down for feeling a certain way can make you feel ashamed of yourself and can crush someone’s self-esteem or chance of recovery. Being a supportive friend will take you farther than always criticizing the other person. A good way to be supportive is by talking to your friends when they are feeling down and making sure that you let them know you are there for them. Even if you suspect that a friend isn’t doing so well, talk to them and get to the bottom of things. Showing someone you care is important.
