Living with anxiety is hard, but only those who have it know it. Others can just imagine what it’s like to have constant worries and fears about everything. Luckily, some people are patient and understanding of their loved ones who suffer from anxiety.
But, there are others who think that this condition is nothing serious and that even it’s a choice.
Well, let me tell you something – anxiety is not a choice. It’s something you wake up with, do your things throughout the day with, and go to bed with. It never leaves. It’s always here to torment you and make you feel unworthy and miserable.
That’s why nothing that people say about someone’s anxiety is harmless. Certain comments can hurt these people more than you can imagine.
So, if you have a person in your life who has anxiety, be careful not to say the following things to them as they might hurt them even more.
1. ”Others Have It Worse Than You Do”
If someone with anxiety does certain things and functions a bit better than others, it doesn’t mean that they are not struggling. On the contrary, they are fighting an internal battle every day to get out of their room and do everything that’s expected from them.
2. ”Don’t Rely on Your Meds”
How can someone think that anyone will take medicines every day unless they didn’t need them? Just because another person with anxiety doesn’t take medicines, doesn’t mean that everyone can deal with it on their own.
So, don’t say to them that they should be strong – they are probably stronger than you are.
3. ”Don’t Make a Mountain Out of a Molehill”
It’s not their choice that they get overwhelmed by certain things that others don’t even notice. People with anxiety are very sensitive, and that’s not something they can control. So, don’t judge them.
4. ”Everyone Feels Stressed Sometimes”
If a person with anxiety opens up to you, which they rarely do, stay focused on them. Don’t tell them that everyone feels the same way as them, because they don’t. This will only tell them that you don’t really understand them, and they will feel even worse.
5. ”Stop Freaking Out”
People with anxiety don’t wake up wanting to worry and stress and exhaust themselves with everything that happens around and inside of them. So, never tell this phrase to them because it’s definitely not harmless.
6. ”Again? ”
Don’t be surprised that they are upset or feel weird again because anxiety is happening all the time, with occasional breaks. Even worse, don’t tell them that you are surprised that they are anxious every day.
Once again, this is not something they have chosen for themselves. They are struggling with it every day, and you don’t need to remind them.
7. ”Smile”
Although it seems harmless, smiling is not always easy for people who always worry about something. Plus, they know it won’t solve anything, so stop saying that to them.
Final Words
If you know someone who has anxiety, avoid telling them these comments, rather ask them if there’s anything you can do to help them. Tell them that you are always here for them and that they can talk to you about anything.
Last but not least, be patient. In that way, you’ll show them that you care about them.
