29 Phrases You Should Never Say To People Suffering From Anxiety

The recent tragic death of the legendary Robin Williams has brought mental health, and depression in particular, into sharper focus. I think that his death shocked the world into an understanding it may not have previously had: the funniest guy in the world was so incredibly sad that it killed him.

If there is any possible good that can be found in?the loss of this much beloved man, perhaps it will be that people will pay more attention to the very real problem of depression and mental illness. It kills.

As a society, we are (somewhat) sensitive to most illnesses. We?are fairly in tune to things that shouldn’t be said to victims of heart disease, cancer, and other devastating illnesses. But when it comes to mental illness, society as a whole seems to be completely clueless about the suffering of the people who afflicted.

The Priory Group recently asked anxiety sufferers to share the insensitive comments that people have made about their suffering. The following photos are revealing and troubling. But perhaps, as with anything, education and awareness can slowly begin to make a difference.
 
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things not to say to people with anxiety
Natalie Clince / The Priory Group

 
things not to say to people with anxiety
Natalie Clince / The Priory Group

 
things not to say to people with anxiety
Natalie Clince / The Priory Group

 
things not to say to people with anxiety
Natalie Clince / The Priory Group

 
things not to say to people with anxiety
Natalie Clince / The Priory Group

 
things not to say to people with anxiety
Natalie Clince / The Priory Group

 
things not to say to people with anxiety
Natalie Clince / The Priory Group

 
things not to say to people with anxiety
Natalie Clince / The Priory Group

 
things not to say to people with anxiety
Natalie Clince / The Priory Group

 
things not to say to people with anxiety
Natalie Clince / The Priory Group

 
things not to say to people with anxiety
Natalie Clince / The Priory Group

 
things not to say to people with anxiety
Natalie Clince / The Priory Group

things not to say to people with anxiety
Natalie Clince / The Priory Group

 
things not to say to people with anxiety
Natalie Clince / The Priory Group

 
things not to say to people with anxiety
Natalie Clince / The Priory Group

 
things not to say to people with anxiety
Natalie Clince / The Priory Group

 
things not to say to people with anxiety
Natalie Clince / The Priory Group

 
things not to say to people with anxiety
Natalie Clince / The Priory Group

 
things not to say to people with anxiety
Natalie Clince / The Priory Group

 
things not to say to people with anxiety
Natalie Clince / The Priory Group

 
things not to say to people with anxiety
Natalie Clince / The Priory Group

 
things not to say to people with anxiety
Natalie Clince / The Priory Group

 
things not to say to people with anxiety
Natalie Clince / The Priory Group

 
things not to say to people with anxiety
Natalie Clince / The Priory Group

 
things not to say to people with anxiety
Natalie Clince / The Priory Group

 
things not to say to people with anxiety
Natalie Clince / The Priory Group

things not to say to people with anxiety
Natalie Clince / The Priory Group

 
things not to say to people with anxiety
Natalie Clince / The Priory Group

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tiffany willis texas liberal america

Tiffany Willis is a fifth-generation Texan and the founder and editor-in-chief of Liberal America. An unapologetic member of the Christian Left, she has spent most of her career actively working with ?the least of these? and disadvantaged and oppressed populations. She’s passionate about their struggles. To stay on top of topics she discusses,?like her?Facebook page,?follow her on Twitter, or?connect with her via LinkedIn. She also has?a?grossly neglected personal blog?and a?literary quotes blog that is a labor of love. Find her somewhere and join the discussion.

 

I had a successful career actively working with at-risk youth, people struggling with poverty and unemployment, and disadvantaged and oppressed populations. In 2011, I made the decision to pursue my dreams and become a full-time writer. Connect with me on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.