We want you to take note of the things that you shouldn’t say to a person who is suffering from anxiety.
According to a study, 1 in 7 Indians are suffering from depression and anxiety. So there is a chance that you know someone who has anxiety. The chances are that you want to help and support that person as that can be your friend, family, colleague or neighbour.
You all know many things that you can say or do for them when they are having anxiety attacks or going through a difficult situation.
But here we wanted you to take note of the things that you shouldn’t say to a person who is suffering from anxiety. The sentences are as follows –
- It’s okay, calm down.
When we say calm down to someone experiencing anxiety, they are not always helpful. If they can, they would have done that. Ideal thing to say here is “I am listening to you”
- It’s all in your head. There is nothing to worry about.
If you say this sentence to a person who is having anxiety then it is very wrong. There are things for them to be worried about and so this response in wrong. Those things might not be equally important for you but it is for them. Just listen to their problem and try to connect them with physical environment. You can go for a walk with them.
- I have got problems too.
Every individual are different than each other and so their emotions. We all cope in a different way to each situation. A problem for me might not be a problem for you and vice versa. That is why this sentence is not right.
- This is not a big deal as you are making it.
When someone is anxious about things, most of the time they know that those things are irrational but still they are troubling them. This is big deal for them. Try to validate their feeling rather than disregarding them.
- Why you can’t think positively.
People don’t choose to be anxious. It’s like any other physical illness. Telling someone to think positively in this situation is insensitive. It will be helpful if you can support your friend even if you don’t understand what he/she is going through. They will be able to see hope when they see that people are there for them.