Today, depression and anxiety are common mental illnesses within society. Since they are so common, there's often some misunderstandings in regards to the illnesses. As someone who suffers from both, it's sometimes frustrating and difficult when it comes to some of the ideologies associated with them. I'm writing this to show what it's like from my end.

Depression and Anxiety Are Not:

1. Self-diagnosed. Unless you've been to the doctor and they have diagnosed you with either depression or anxiety, please don't say you have it.

2. Feeling sad or worried one day. Just because you're having an off day where you don't feel yourself, it doesn't mean that you have a mental illness. Not every day can be perfect.

3. Being incapable. Just because someone has depression or anxiety does not make them incapable of doing normal things. With that being said, yes, some days or activities are harder to get through, but that doesn't mean you have to act like you're walking on eggshells around us.

4. A Scapegoat. Most of us who suffer from either or both of these diseases, know when we are at one of our worst times. Sometimes, that means we don't want to see people or go do certain things. That doesn't mean we are purposely avoiding spending time with others or anything like that. It means that we know we need to be by ourselves to stay collected.

Depression and Anxiety Are:

1. Feeling unbearably sad or worried for no reason. This is one of the worst things about these diseases. Personally, I'll have days where I'm perfectly fine. The next day though, I'll be in my bedroom bawling my eyes out with a feeling of hopelessness that I can't even describe. Or it's nights where I can't sleep or constantly wake up, freaking out when there's nothing I need to worry about. Sometimes, I'll get to exams and my mind goes blank even though I know that I know the material.

2. What sometimes makes it harder to connect with people. It's difficult to really relate to someone if they can't sympathize for what you go through sometimes or that your illness(es) might make you act out of character sometimes. That being said, it's not that we expect our friends to have either or both, we just need some understanding and patience on occasion.

3. Feeling trapped. It's wanting to better yourself, but sometimes, when this is attempted, you fall short. Not because of the lack of trying, but because of an inner self constantly saying "What difference will it make?"

Everyone's mental illness is different and stems from different places or memories. Having a mental illness doesn't make someone bad or weird. It means they have a story. If you know anyone with anxiety or depression, a little patience can go a long way when it comes to friendship. Be aware and watch for signs that they're hurting. Most importantly, be there for them.