People tend to forget that when someone suffers from a mental illness it's neither their choice or fault when acting or feeling certain ways. We do not want to be this way or act this way. My anxiety has caused a lot of problems in my life, problems that could be so easily avoided but the way my brain works doesn't let me avoid these things. A lot of people don't really understand what its like to have anxiety and they say things to people that suffer from anxiety and only causes them more issues with themselves. Here are 15 things you should not say to someone who suffers from anxiety.
1. "Just get over it."
By saying get over it does not make this mental illness disappear. You did not cure this person please stop.2. "You really need to calm down."
Hearing someone tell me that I really need to calm down honestly makes more frustrated than ever.
3. "Just suck it up and do it."
It is not easy I can not just do something or stop feeling a certain way when I feel like something is literally pushing on your chest almost 24/7.4. “I’m stressed out too.”
Stressed doesn't begin to describe.5."You’re only like this because it’s “trendy” to have anxiety."
I am 110% sure that no one wants this. Anxiety is not a trend nor a fashion statement. If you think having anxiety is cool and it is your "aesthetic" clearly you have no idea what its truly like.
6. "It could always be worse."
Yes, it could be worse but it does not make my issues invalid.
7. "It's all in your head."
I think that's the issue I can't seem to fix. Thanks for saying its in my head. I am saved.8. "Life’s too short to worry."
Goodbye.9. "You're such a weirdo."
Depending on the person this can make someone really insecure about themselves.10. "You're overanalyzing the situation."
AHHHHH.
11. "Be positive."
I understand that not everyone will understand how anxiety works, but sometimes think about what you're saying beforehand it can really help out. Anxiety is no joke - using gifs does in no way mean I'm making it a joke but something to lighten an actual educational thing on what not to say to people who have anxiety. Be understanding, it something we can not control.
