Millions of American adults suffer from some form of anxiety disorder. Chances are, you probably know someone who has anxiety. Those who struggle with this condition face a lot of difficulties in their lives. It is not always easy for the general public to understand a disorder they can't physically see. This can cause a lot of misconceptions about anxiety and can lead to people saying some pretty messed up stuff about it. The following lists some of the terrible things people sometimes say to those with anxiety, and they're definitely things that shouldn't be said because they are rude AF.
1. "You're just being dramatic."
Ah, nothing makes us feel more diminished than hearing this. All of our fears and concerns have been lessened to some sort of teenage drama. Look, when you're a person with anxiety, even the most nominal of things can turn into the biggest task to overcome. Don't tell us this. It's rude and belittling.
2. "Why don't you try to relax?"
That's groundbreaking, really. We've never thought of that before and are eternally grateful for this amazing suggestion. Truly, you have opened our minds. Believe me, if it were that easy, every single person with anxiety would have done it by now.
3. "You're just doing it for attention."
Okay, this one is worse than the accusation that we're being dramatic. There is absolutely nothing fun about having anxiety, and I don't know anyone who has anxious episodes for the sake of garnering attention. When someone truly has anxiety, it's probably something they really hate and wish they could just get rid of. That's like telling someone with diabetes that they're just doing it for attention. It's a stupid and insensitive thing to say. Jerk.
4. "Oh, I get anxious too!"
Yes, everyone gets anxious every so often. However, there is a distinct difference between getting anxious and having anxiety. Anxiety is something that's like a shadow following you for basically the rest of your life, deciding to interject itself into your daily routine whenever it feels necessary. It can be absolutely debilitating, inhibiting someone from just getting out of bed in the morning. It's a condition that must constantly be overcome, not a fleeting moment of worry or fear.
5. "Just take some medication."
Pal, you're not a doctor and shouldn't be acting like one. Let a professional decide that, okay?
6. "Things would be better if you decided to not be anxious."
If you knew someone with a broken arm or hepatitis, would you tell them things would be better if they just chose not to have whatever their respective condition was? No? Okay, that's what I thought. Anxiety is not something anyone chooses to have. It's a condition that makes a lot of things really difficult to do. Seriously, even throwing out a piece of trash in front of a bunch of people can be debilitating for someone with anxiety. If we could choose to not be anxious, you better believe me when I say that literally no one would be anxious. It's not fun, guys.
7. "It's all in your head."
Oh, boy, if there's a way to sound totally dumb when it comes to mental health, it's by saying this. This sentence is probably the worst thing that people with anxiety hear. It's truly offensive and ignorant. You've taken a medical condition and turned it something into no more than a delusion, something that doesn't even matter. Those with anxiety deal with its difficulties for the entirety of their lives. It can cripple them and take over their day-today routine. I assume you, it's not just all in their heads. Stop saying this. It makes you look like a total jerk.
