I think it's safe to say that mental illnesses, in general, face a lot of scrutiny in society, and there are a lot of misconceptions that come with it. Anxiety, in particular, has been subject to much debate and argument over exactly what it is. While a lot of this comes from a place of ignorance, it doesn't negate the feelings that those who suffer from anxiety feel as a result of these mistaken beliefs.

As such, here are five things that anxiety isn't (and one thing that it is).

1. Anxiety isn't fake

A common misconception with anxiety (among other mental illnesses) is that it's some sort of "fake" illness. People tend to believe if there are no outward and obvious signs of a sickness than it must not be real. Anxiety is very real, and people with anxiety do exhibit many symptoms, such as panic attacks, fast and/or irregular heartbeat, excessive sweating, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty falling and/or staying asleep.

2. Anxiety isn't always brought on by some sort of trauma

While it's true that PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a type of anxiety disorder, not all anxiety disorders are caused by trauma. Anxiety, more often than not, is caused by environmental factors, substance abuse, or even genetic predisposition. It's also important to note that there are many different types of anxiety disorders, such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, OCD, etc.

3. Anxiety isn't a sign of weakness

Anxiety is a mental illness that affects around 40 million strong and amazing people in the United States. These people are not weak; in fact, I believe people who suffer from mental illnesses are some of the strongest people that I know because to face every day with an invisible illness that no one understands takes amazing strength.

4. Anxiety isn't logical

Yes, logically, that thing that someone is panicking about shouldn't be causing so much stress. But the thing about anxiety is that it often doesn't make sense. It doesn't make sense that someone would have a panic attack in the bathroom after a simple conversation with a professor, or after walking into class a few minutes late.

5. Anxiety isn't solved by "just calming down"

Anxiety is not something that people want. It's not something that can just be turned on and off. If it were, there would be far fewer people with it. People with anxiety wish it were as easy as just calming down, but it often takes cognitive therapy, medications, or a combination thereof. Generally, no part of the treatment plan includes "just calm down."

Anxiety is a bonafide medical condition with real and obvious symptoms that affects countless people every single day

It's time that we, as a society, become more accepting and understanding of those suffering from anxiety and all other types of mental illnesses that they have, for far too long, been judged for having.