7 Things Not to Say to Someone With Anxiety—and How to Phrase Them Instead
Anxiety disorders are the most common form of mental illness in the United States, affecting 40 million adults (about 18 percent of the population) each year, according to the The Anxiety and Depression Association of America. As if the actual symptoms of anxiety—racing heart, sweaty palms, dizziness, trembling, and inner turmoil—aren’t life-hindering enough, many people with anxiety also withstand well-intentioned but hurtful comments from people who don’t truly understand the nature of the disorder, and how serious it really is. Hint: It goes way beyond just "being worried. " So we asked two anxiety experts to help clear up the confusion on what not to say to an anxious person, and what to stay instead. Here are seven things people with anxiety disorders don’t want to hear anymore.
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