Like many things, anxiety is a disorder that only people with anxiety can truly
understand. This makes it really hard for others to empathize with you, because they
have not experienced it themselves. It also means a lot of common misconceptions get
thrown around. Here are some things that are often said about anxiety that are simply
not true. It helps to understand them when you are on the path to improving your own
mental health, or you know someone else struggling with anxiety.

1- Anxiety is Just When You’re Worrying Too Much

Anxiety and worry can often happen at the same time, but they are not the same thing.
Having anxiety is NOT just being worried about something and definitely not something
you can just will away by “not worrying as much”. Being worried about something and
having anxiety are not the same thing, though you can definitely experience both
simultaneously.

2- You Can “Get Over” Anxiety

Anxiety is a mental illness, just like depression and bipolar disorder. While there are
many different facets of anxiety disorders, and not everyone needs professional help for
anxiety, it is not something you can just get rid of by thinking positively or going for a
run.

This is also a bit of a gray area, since it is possible to reduce the effects of anxiety or
reduce panic attacks with daily routines, therapy, medication, and many other
treatments. But that doesn’t mean you cure your anxiety or get rid of it completely.

3- Avoidance is the Answer

You can’t avoid anxiety and hope it will get better on its own, just like you can’t avoid
stress, depression, PTSD, or any other mental health issue you are facing. Just
pretending your anxiety doesn’t exist is only going to exacerbate it because you aren’t
learning coping techniques for dealing with anxiety attacks.

4- Anxiety Isn’t a Serious Mental Illness

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety is the most
common mental illness people deal with in the U.S. It affects over 40 million adults in
the U.S. alone, even though less than 40% of these people get treatment for it.

Why is that? Because the general consensus is that it isn’t that serious. People assume
anxiety is just stress or worrying or worse, they are just overreacting. But if you think
you have anxiety, you should think about getting help for it. There are many different
forms, each with different effects on your mind and body.

From now on, keep in mind that anxiety is a very serious issue in our community. People often accept the fact that they feel anxiety about certain situations in their lives and let the red flags pass until the last moment to seek help. Keep your eyes open to diagnose any signs or symptoms of anxiety and seek medical help immediately.

See you soon,

Ludmilla!