Anxiety and Depression 101
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Anxiety and Depression 101

2340
Anxiety and Depression 101

College is a really stressful time and whether or not it is you, or someone you know, anxiety and depression are common. They are issues you will most likely have to deal with in your lifetime, so it's important to be knowledgeable about them. Both anxiety and depression can make someone feel isolated, even if they have a lot of friends or support. Here are some things you should or shouldn't say to someone dealing with these issues.

What you should not say

I know exactly how you feel. I know this one is trying to be helpful, but unless you actually deal with anxiety or depression, you don't know how it feels. You saying things like this can be belittling to the person who suffers from anxiety or depression.

Everyone deals with that. One bad week does not mean you are depressed so, no, not everyone deals with this, but thank you for offering your very educated opinion to me while I pretend to feel comforted.

You are just one workout away from feeling better. There are a lot of things that go into these disorders and not everything can be solved with exercise. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress but what may work for some, won't always solve the problem for others. That being said, if you want to offer to go outside with someone or do something active, that may be a better approach.

You have a great life and other people have it worse. Yes, the world is filled with horrible, terrible things and sad situations but that doesn't mean that someone else's problems aren't real, too, and deserving of comfort.

You are just being lazy, irrational or crazy. Some days are good days and some days are bad days; that does not make someone lazy. Mental disorder can take up a lot of a person's energy and some days, it's work just to get out of bed and eat. It's not irrational, it's a real problem.

Just don't think about it. I feel like I should not even have to explain why this is impossible, yet some people really believe you can solve anxiety or depression by not thinking about it. Truth is, you cannot. Just as a physical illness cannot heal by ignoring it, mental illnesses are not healed by ignoring them.

You need a drink. Stop. Just. Stop.

Just choose to be happy. Anxiety and depression are not something someone chooses to suffer from, so they cannot just choose to be rid of it. Yes, thinking positive can help, but sometimes, it's hard to see past the current panic.

What you should say or do

Ask what they need from you or what would be helpful for them personally to get through the day.

It is usually better to listen to what someone has to say, rather than talk the whole time.

Ask if there is anything you can do to make them feel less alone. Always remind them they are not alone.

Ask if they want to explain how they are feeling or what they are going through.

Make them feel comfortable enough to be open about it.

Don't be offended if someone wants to be alone. It's not that they're rejecting your offer but some people deal with it differently so just be understanding.

These, of course, are not the only mental illnesses people struggle with or ones that need more attention over others, but are just ones I feel comfortable explaining to someone.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

56614
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

36481
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958333
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

188744
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments