There is no doubt we have recently seen increased recognition regarding the importance of mental health. Along with this recognition, there has been the realization that the experience of mental illness varies greatly, with different people experiencing different mental health struggles and to different degrees. These are obviously very important steps especially in understanding that there is no uniform experience of mental illness.

However, I find myself frustrated when I read pieces, quite often here on Odyssey, which espouse statements along the lines of “you don’t actually have anxiety, you’re just overwhelmed” or “you’re not actually depressed, you’re just feeling down at the moment.”

Sure, there are many people who do experience temporary feelings of nervousness or sadness without having an actual anxiety, depression, or other disorder. Even still, their struggles are just as legitimate even if not as extreme or long-lasting.

Moreover, I understand that people with diagnosed mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder would not want their very real struggles belittled by numerous people claiming similar struggles who may not actually be experiencing these struggles to the same extent.

However, I think it is extremely unfair and lacking in compassion to dismiss the claims to mental health struggles other people make. Ultimately, no person can ever fully comprehend what another person may be feeling, going through, or experiencing.

Just because a person does not have a formal diagnosis does not mean their struggle is not legitimate or should not be recognized. I, for one, have anxiety. In the very least, I am pretty sure I have some kind of anxiety based on my near constant over analyzing tendencies, my sometimes debilitating nervous feelings, and the painful jumpiness I experience in my abdomen from time to time.

Of course, since I haven’t ever been diagnosed, it could be the case I am just a very nervous person. Even if this were true, it doesn’t mean my struggles are any less real even if they may be less extreme than those of others.

The honest reason I have not been diagnosed is that I have been too lazy to see a therapist — I realize this is a terrible, ridiculous, and unhealthy excuse but it is my true excuse nonetheless. Other people may have very real reasons for not seeking a diagnosis including not having the monetary resources or time to do so. This also obviously does not make their struggles any less serious than those with diagnoses.

Finally, even if a person only experiences feelings of nervousness, sadness, or anything else temporarily it does not mean what they are going through is any less legitimate even if not as permanent as those living with chronic forms of mental illness.

In order for the conversation on mental health to grow and develop, we all need to demonstrate compassion and understanding. This means recognizing the mental health concerns and struggles of other people even if you do not believe their struggles are as great as yours. Diminishing these struggles, or telling people they are not real, shuts down effective dialogue and may alienate people who need to communicate and express their troubles.

At the end of the day, mental illnesses like anxiety and depression are not exclusive clubs — there is no limit on how many people can be struggling.