Ever since the sixth grade, I have had the terms "anxiety and depression" etched into my mind. It was during middle school when I was diagnosed with an anxiety and depression disorder. It was during this time that I was put on medication so I had a chance of functioning like a "normal" middle schooler. It was during this time that people judged my mother for taking me to the doctor and them putting me on medication. It was during this time that my whole world flipped upside down.. and no. Not in a negative way. My life changed for the better during this time. I became a completely different person. I was finally enjoying school, spending time with friends, and most importantly, I was doing my schoolwork with effort. When someone at that young of an age seems so apathetic about anything and everything, there should be some concern for their well-being.
Now I know you aren't reading this article to hear about my life story, and I'm certainly not writing it to get your sympathy. This article is about my growing concern with how many people seem to "want" to have an emotional disorder. I will get on Facebook and see numerous posts of how people are broadcasting their "anxiety issues" or "depression issues", and truthfully, it makes me sick to look at... I don't understand why someone would claim to have an emotional disorder if they truly didn't have one. The only reason I can think of is that they are seeking attention. Also, I know that many people do suffer from anxiety and depression, and I am by no means downplaying the vast number of people. My problem with this is that things are not consistent.
My anxiety comes in waves, but it is always there.. always lurking in the background. My depression is not as bad some days as it is others. But it is consistent.
Being anxious does NOT mean you have an anxiety disorder.
To be anxious, is just part of every day life. Everyone experiences some anxiety.
Being depressed does NOT mean you suffer from depression.
To be depressed occasionally, is part of every day life. Emotions are part of being human.
Having your moods shift randomly does NOT mean you're bipolar.
To be bipolar, one must meet many different requirements. It is not just being emotional.
Please stop giving yourself these diagnoses.
Coming from someone who suffers and prays that the emotional rollercoaster will end, please stop self-diagnosing. If you truly believe you have a disorder, please go to a professional. Social media should not be an outlet to get people to feel sorry for you by pretending you have a legitamate disorder. By doing so, you are downplaying the reality of people who truly suffer.
