Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive, persistent and unrealistic worry, and caused by genetic factors, brain chemistry and personality. In fact, 40 million people in the United States are affected by an anxiety disorder, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. As someone with GAD, here are 7 things I’d like to ask you to stop saying.
1. “Stop thinking about it.”
Don’t you think if it was that easy I would not think about it? It maybe easy for you, but as a person with GAD I have to practice the coping strategies I’ve learned in therapy. And sometimes I can’t even do that. So telling me to not worry simply does not cut it.
Instead, try asking me to go for a walk or if there is anything you can do to help me process what is happening.
2. “Everyone feels anxious.”
Yes, everyone feels anxious, and it is completely natural. Anxiety actually pushes us to get things done, but when your anxiety stops you from being able to function, guess what? That’s a problem. So please do not compare GADers (yes, I created this word) with non-GADers (this word too).
Instead, acknowledge what I’m going through. Say, “I see this is really hard for you. Would you like to talk about it?”
3. “I’m stressed too.”
Not to discredit your stress, but you are certainly discrediting ours. What you do not understand is that we have a hard time controlling our thoughts, and whether you realize it or not, no matter how small it may seem to you, our anxiety tends to maximize everything.
Instead, try offering some words of encouragement.
4. “I know how you feel.”
Unless you have GAD you do not know how I feel, so please stop saying that you do.
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5. “You need to calm down.”
When people suffer from GAD, there are times when his/her anxiety is through the roof and it takes me time to calm down. It is always a three-ring circus going on in our heads. That advice is like telling someone who is sick to stop coughing. So no, we cannot calm down right now.
Instead say, “Is there anything I can do to help you?”
6. “You are doing too much.” (Translation: “You are being dramatic.”)
Thank you for your words of comfort. We know our thoughts can be irrational at times, but that is how our brain works. Can you imagine 1,000 tabs on your computer are opened, and you cannot stop new tabs from opening? Well, that is how we feel. Just because our disorder is invisible does not mean it is not real.
Instead, ask me about what methods I use to ease anxiety (like breathing methods and yoga), and remind me what’s worked in the past.
7. “You worry too much.”
Yes, we worry too much and we know that, but if you have not figured it out by now, we cannot control it. Telling us we worry too much does not help. We were already worrying about 50 things prior to this unnecessary statement, and now we are worrying about worrying.
Instead, say, “It’s OK to feel this way. I know your anxiety can be difficult, but I’m here for you.”
Credit to The Mighty.