What is anxiety and depression? Both mental illnesses are different illnesses, but seem to coexist. Anxiety disorders are fears and nerves built up inside about the future that can cause panic attacks and extreme stress. People who do not struggle from anxiety are able to manage their fears; but, there are days when they are anxious. However, men and women with anxiety disorders deal with nerves every day of their lives. Having a bit of anxiety every so often is actually healthy; but, anxiety becomes a problem when it is affecting someone’s everyday thoughts. When it begins to consume someone’s mind on a daily basis, that is when it becomes something more serious. When someone is suffering from anxiety, it can often lead to depression. Depression is usually diagnosed with anxiety because these fears and nerves can cause depressive thoughts. Depression is the feeling that the little things in life are the end of the world. Many people who are having a hard time coping with their anxiety disorder tend to feel depressed as a result of the way their anxiety is interfering in their lives. Some people can feel suicidal and think their anxiety is the end of the world; therefore, these emotions are depressive emotions caused by anxiety.
To continue, there are many myths about depression and anxiety. Society believes that these disorders are not real disorders. In other words, the community is convinced that people can talk themselves out of an attack and the symptoms are not that severe. However, no one suffering from these disorders can control their emotions. The symptoms are, in fact, real and severe. No one wants to deal with depression and anxiety. Why would someone want to be depressed or anxious? I am sure if someone was able to control their emotions and not feel the pain anymore they would do it in a heartbeat. I feel that society does not understand how hard it is for people dealing with these illnesses. There is nothing scarier than not being able to control your mental state and panic. Would you tell someone who was just diagnosed with cancer to just “get over it”? So why are people with these mental disorders treated so unfairly?
In the article, “Calling in Crazy: Why We Must Normalize Mental Illness,” by Mary Walker Bacon, she compares a conversation between two people when someone is physically ill and when someone is mentally ill. Mary Walker Bacon says, “If I comment to a friend ….I feel nauseous, my friend will very likely reply with something like, ‘Sounds like you’re coming down with a cold or the flu.’ My friend might also suggest a remedy. ‘Don’t forget to drink plenty of fluids and get a lot of rest. Eat some chicken soup. That always helps me.’ The conclusion might be that I’m a little physically ill. ….. It’s not so easy for me to say to a friend that I’m feeling kind of hopeless, I’m not sleeping well, nothing seems to interest me and I’ve lost my appetite. However, wouldn’t it be great if I could comfortably say those things? And wouldn’t it be even greater if my friend could reply with something like, ‘Sounds like you’re coming down with a touch of depression.’ And wouldn’t it be greater still if my friend reminded me of possible remedies such as, ‘Don’t forget to utilize your positive coping skills like talking to friends, exercising and restructuring negative thoughts? Remember that these episodes pass. Stay hopeful. I’m here for you.’” Mary Walker Bacon talks about how in life people do not consider mental illness as a severe disorder or even a real disorder compared to physical illnesses. This is extremely important to recognize because many people are suffering from mental illnesses and not getting enough support to help them. I believe that if people fighting through anxiety and depression had more support in their lives and more people that understood them, then they would have an easier time treating their illnesses.
In addition, I really do not understand why in this day and age depression and anxiety is treated as such a taboo. I feel that these disorders do not, under any circumstances, lower anyone’s great qualities as a person. Everyone handles their disorder differently and they should not be judged as a threatening member of society or labeled as unstable because of their mental illness. Many people have been diagnosed with mental illnesses and there will always be people that have a disorder in the future. Therefore, society should get used to it. Anxiety and depression does not define who a person is and there is much more to a person’s character than their disorder. In all honesty, I strongly believe that being faced with all these obstacles and struggles makes people fighters and survivors. People dealing with anxiety and depression are amazing, strong, courageous people. I admire their strength to get through each day.
Therefore, my last words are to people suffering from anxiety and depression. I just want to say to always remember that you have already gotten through bad days and you are fine. You may struggle to find your worth right now; however, your beauty shines through you for everyone else to see. You have fought the battle thus far and that shows your true strength. Not every day is going to be a bad day. Keep on fighting the fight. Do not give up now because you have come this far. Stay strong and remember you are not alone.
