In the past few years, the topic of mood disorders, particularly anxiety, has become much more prevalent within our media and within our daily conversations as well.

Almost everyone knows someone who had or is currently struggling with anxiety, or she or he has struggled themselves. Yet, in a society where it seems as though more people are being diagnosed with anxiety disorders than ever before, why do so many of us remain largely uneducated on the subject?

As someone who has been living with generalized anxiety disorder since my senior year of high school, I’ve heard it all. I cannot count the number of times people have said something to me that either a) makes absolutely no sense, b) completely and entirely belittles my mood disorder, or c) just isn’t necessary to say.

So, without further ado, here’s a list of the top six remarks I’ve heard about my anxiety and some positive ways to redirect these thoughts.

1. “Can’t you just, like, turn it off?”

No, because I am a human being, not a light switch. Anxiety is much more than just feeling panicky or nervous. Anxiety is a classified mental disorder in which your dread completely fills your body and consumes your mind. It’s different for everyone, but some common triggers are: schoolwork/tests, relationships, large crowds, caffeine, etc. And these are just a few.

Instead, Try Saying . . . What are your triggers/warning signs so that I can recognize when you’re feeling anxious?”

2. "You need to stop being so dramatic!"

First of all, this is something you should never say to anyone, even if s/he is being dramatic. Second of all, if your world was suddenly spinning and you felt like you couldn’t breathe, I think you’d have a difficult time staying calm, too.

Instead, Try Saying . . .“Is there anything I can do to help you feel more calm?"

3. "Ugh, you’re seriously cancelling again? Because of anxiety? Whatever.”

Believe it or not, anxiety is an illness. No, you can’t see it. But I sure as hell can feel it. So please, if I tell you that I’m just feeling too anxious to go out somewhere, don’t take it personally. I’m bothered by my emotions, not bothered by you.

Instead, Try Saying . . . “Do you want me to grab some food and we can have a low-key, relaxing Netflix marathon instead of going out?” or “Not a problem, feel better. Hopefully you can come out next time!”

4. “I think people just say they have anxiety because they want attention. It’s not a real disorder."

Again, although you can’t see it, I sure as hell can feel it. I cannot count the number of nights where I’ve laid awake for hours, my stomach full of dread, for no clear reason. It’s real, and it’s really vicious.

Also I’d just like to add that, when I’m anxious, it’s usually because I’m receiving some form of unwanted attention or I’m put in a situation where I might look stupid in front of a crowd of people. Many (but not all) people who have anxiety struggle with social interaction; the last thing they want is to be the center of attention.

So, to summarize: I don’t want your attention. I'm not faking it. There is nothing I want more than to feel normal.

Instead, Try Saying . . “What is anxiety like, if you don’t mind my asking? I’ve heard about it but I just have trouble understanding it.”

5. "Just take some deep breaths and you'll be fine."

Great advice, if I wasn’t struggling to breathe in the first place. It might be entirely in my mind, but it sure does feel as though my lungs are closing. Yelling things like this at me only makes my anxiety worse because you’re just reminding me of what I should be doing (and can’t).

Instead, Try Saying . . . Literally anything that isn’t related to or won’t cause anxiety. Or just give me a few minutes to recover. You have options.

6. "You have to stop pushing it off! Stop being so lazy!"

Let me start off by asking you this: Do you really believe that I would intentionally procrastinate on doing something, knowing that it might only further contribute to my anxiety?

Well, if you had any trouble coming to a conclusion, the answer is no. As I mentioned before, though, anxiety can be crippling in so many ways. When I’m having a particularly bad anxiety day, I find that my mind is scattered, unorganized, and unable to focus on anything for too long.

I know myself and I know my body best; trust me, if something has to get done, I’ll get it done. Thanks for your concern, though.

Instead, Try Saying . . . “I’m worried about how you seem to be pushing this off. Is everything okay? Is there anything I can do to help you?”

While I do not doubt that anxiety is a tough concept to grasp for those who have never truly experienced it, I’m tired of having to answer to these insensitive, judgmental thoughts and poorly thought-out questions. You wouldn’t walk up to someone with a cast on his leg and pass judgement on him (I would hope), so why would you do it to me? Simply because you can’t see my ailment? Absurd.

In a time where mental and mood disorders are becoming more prevalent, it’s important to educate ourselves in order to eliminate the stigma surrounding them. It’s okay to be curious or unsure, but rather than phrasing your questions and thoughts in a negative way, try to positively redirect them. Both I and anyone else who is living with anxiety will thank you.