Recommended for you

Start writing a post

Health and Wellness

To Those Who Don't Understand Anxiety

Unless you have anxiety yourself, you don't have the slightest clue what being anxious is really like.

Crystal Goudreau

Jan 08, 2017

Community College of Rhode Island

2945

StockSnap

To those who don't understand anxiety,

Anxiety sucks. Unless you suffer from an anxiety disorder yourself, you don't have the slightest clue about anxiety and how it affects those diagnosed. Anxiety is like a little monster in your head that keeps telling you that everything is wrong. It keeps feeding you bad and negative thoughts until you are consumed by them.

One of the worst parts about anxiety is that we know that the anxieties and fears we are feeling and thinking are totally and utterly irrational. We know the little monster feeding us negative thoughts is wrong, but we can not control the monster. Knowing the thoughts we are thinking are totally irrational and crazy makes everything one hundred times worse.

When people tell us to stop being anxious, it makes us even more anxious. Don't people realize that if anxiety sufferers had the opportunity to just stop being anxious we would in a heart beat? Don't they realize that by telling us that we are crazy that they are just feeding into the monster inside our head?

Some think that people who are diagnosed with anxiety don't actually have anxiety and are just drama queens/kings looking for attention. The only way the people who think we are doing this for attention would learn first hand that we are NOT attention seekers would be to have them experience some of our anxious thoughts or a panic attack. Even if someone doesn't believe that my anxiety is REAL, I would not wish my anxiety or a panic attack upon them.

If there are two things to take away from this article, let it be this:

Do not tell an anxious person that their anxious thoughts are crazy. Chances are, they already know that and were looking for someone to disprove the monster feeding the anxious thoughts to them.

And

Do not tell an anxious person to stop being anxious. By saying this, you will increase their anxiety and make them feel even worse about themselves. Instead, offer an ear. Let them know that the thoughts they are thinking are not true. Let them express their anxieties to you without you judging them.

Report this Content

This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

Lifestyle

8 Stereotypes Sorority Girls Are Tired Of Hearing

We don't buy into these... just like how we don't buy our friends.

Temple University

Verge Campus

Being a part of any organization undoubtedly comes with the pitfalls of being grouped into negative stereotypes, and sororities are certainly no exception. Here are the top few things, that I find at least, are some of the most irritating misconceptions that find their way into numerous conversations...

8. "The whole philanthropy thing isn't real, right?"

Emma Stone GIFfrom Emma Stone GIFs

Well all those fundraisers and marketing should would be a waste then wouldn't they?

Keep Reading...Show less

sorority girls

Lifestyle

11 Things Summer Nannies Can Relate To

There are plenty of obstacles that come when taking care of kids, but it's a very rewarding experience.

University of Wisconsin Branch Schools

1096

As a college student, being a nanny over the summer is both enjoyable and challenging. Underneath the seemingly perfect trips to the pool or countless hours spent playing Monopoly are the obstacles that only nannies will understand. Trading in your valuable summer vacation in return for three months spent with a few children less than half your age may seem unappealing, but so many moments make it rewarding. For my fellow summer nannies out there, I know you can relate.

Keep Reading...Show less

Lifestyle

11 Struggles Of Having An “Ethnic” Name

You'll never find any souvenirs with your name on it

Bowling Green State University

767

thoughtcatalog.com

There are a lot of really easy, common names in the U.S. and while many of those simple names have different spellings, most of the time, pronunciation is not an issue that those people need to worry about. However, others are not as fortunate and often times give up on corrections after a while. We usually give an A+ for effort. So, as you could probably imagine, there are a few struggles with having a name that isn’t technically English. Here are just a few…

Keep Reading...Show less

ethnic name

Student Life

10 Thoughts We Have While Daydreaming In Class

Can I be excused for the rest of my life?

Monmouth University

334

day·dream (ˈdāˌdrēm/): a series of pleasant thoughts that distract one's attention from the present.

Daydreams, the savior of our life in class. Every type of student in the classroom does it at least once, but most cases it is an everyday event, especially in that boring class -- you know the one. But what are we thinking while we are daydreaming?

Keep Reading...Show less

daydreaming

Politics and Activism

11 Things You Should Never Say To A Puerto Rican

Don't Be That Person

Bowling Green State University

11838

Jessica Pinero

Puerto Ricans. They are very proud people and whether they were born on the island or born in the United States by Puerto Rican parent(s). It gets even better when they meet another fellow Puerto Rican or Latino in general. You’ll know quickly if they are Puerto Rican whether the flag is printed somewhere on their person or whether they tell you or whether the famous phrase “wepa!” is said.

Keep Reading...Show less

puerto ricans

Recommended for you

To Those Who Don't Understand Anxiety

Unless you have anxiety yourself, you don't have the slightest clue what being anxious is really like.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

We don't buy into these... just like how we don't buy our friends.

8. "The whole philanthropy thing isn't real, right?"

7. "I don't need to buy my friends."

6. "Oh, so I'll bet you love to drink."

5. "Can you tell me some of your secrets?"

4. "What do you do at your meetings?"

3. "Do you guys haze really badly?"

2. "Is it just like in the movies?"

1. "Sororities are so basic."

There are plenty of obstacles that come when taking care of kids, but it's a very rewarding experience.

1. You get excited when the parents purchase season passes to the pool.

2. You've become friends with the stay-at-home moms in town.

3. You get a chance to eat "kid foods" again.

4. You've traded in your cute purse for a large tote bag.

5. You have at least one car seat in your backseat.

6. Their nap time is your happy time.

7. Lunch time can be a disaster.

8. You have to play the same board games repeatedly.

9. You catch yourself using the same lines your parents once told you.

10. Your "mom-mode" kicks in at times.

11. Your heart melts a little when they do something cute.

You'll never find any souvenirs with your name on it

1. You know you are up next when the teacher pauses while taking attendance

2. When “I’m going to do my very best to make sure I know all your names” is said, it may or may be an empty promise

3. “Wow! That sounds so cool! Where is your family from?”

4. You dread when people ask you to repeat your name over and over because it “sounds so cool when you say it”

5. There’s a 50/50 chance that your name will come back either correct or incorrect at Starbucks

6. People try to find shorter, easier nicknames for you instead of calling you by your actual name

7. When someone famous or fictional character shares your name, you get so happy

8. “What’s your name?” “It’s [name]” “I’m sorry, what was it again?”

9. You’ve pretty much seen every misspelling and heard every mispronunciation of your name throughout your life

10. When you find another person with an “ethnic” sounding name, you both get excited

11. Despite the struggles, your name is pretty unique… just like you

Can I be excused for the rest of my life?

Don't Be That Person

1. “Oh, so you/your family are immigrants!”

2. “Is Puerto Rico near Mexico?”

3. “Do you speak Puerto Rican?”

4. “You look too light/dark to be Puerto Rican.”

5. “Do I need my passport to go to Puerto Rico?”

6. “Geez, you are obsessed with your flag. We get it, you’re Puerto Rican.”

7. “Why are you so loud?”

8. “So does your family know English?”

9. “Oh my god, Puerto Ricans are so spicy.”

10. “So did you eat a lot of tacos?”

11. “Are you Mexican?”

Trending Topics

Top Creators

Trending Stories

Best of Health and Wellness

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments

Subscribe to our
Newsletter