Anxiety

Encouragement

What's a misconception about anxiety that you'd like to correct?

Understanding anxiety is crucial because it affects so many people, yet misconceptions often lead to unhelpful advice and feelings of isolation. When someone experiences anxiety, particularly symptoms like anger anxiety, encountering misunderstanding can worsen their distress. We asked our community to share the misconceptions about anxiety they most wanted to correct, hoping to foster greater empathy and awareness.

The responses highlighted a deep desire for others to recognize the reality of living with anxiety – that it's not a switch you can simply turn off, nor is it merely "being worried." Many shared frustrations with dismissive comments and the failure of others to grasp the profound physical and mental impact anxiety can have.

Several key themes emerged from the discussion: the lack of control individuals feel over their anxiety, the often-underestimated physical toll it takes, the diverse ways anxiety manifests (including anger), and the invalidating nature of certain common phrases intended to help.

Common Anxiety Misconceptions Shared by Our Community

Anxiety isn't a choice or something easily controlled by willpower or positive thinking.
The physical symptoms of anxiety are real, intense, and often debilitating.
Anxiety manifests differently in everyone; it's not always panic attacks and can include anger, irritability, or dissociation.
Dismissive or simplistic advice like "just relax" or "don't worry" is generally unhelpful and can feel invalidating.
Living with anxiety is mentally and physically exhausting, even if the struggles aren't always visible.

Our community discussed

Can You Simply 'Turn Off' Anxiety or 'Just Think Positively'?

A major frustration shared by many is the misconception that anxiety is a state of mind easily overcome by simple commands or willpower. Community members emphasized that telling someone to "stop worrying" or "be happy" ignores the involuntary nature of anxiety.

Shinhoo

5 months ago

Why can you just think positively?

185

Sarah

7 months ago

Telling me to just “turn my brain off.” If I could, I would!

310

Naeema

7 months ago

“Stop overthinking” … as if it’s some deliberate action I’m choosing to do and not just my mind constantly “on”.

325

Amy

5 months ago

That you can just snap out of it. If I could do that I would. Also that sometimes there is no reason for the anxiety it’s an overwhelming feeling of worrying

290

Our community discussed

How Does Anxiety Affect You Physically and Mentally?

Many contributors highlighted that anxiety is far more than just a mental state; it involves profound physical sensations and can be utterly exhausting. People often underestimate the physical toll, from panic attack symptoms to chronic fatigue.

Paula

8 months ago

I think people really down play the physical symptoms of anxiety. I think it’s important to remember if you don’t take care of your mind your body will start taking matters into its own hands

330

Melissa

7 months ago

That anxiety is not as mentally and physically tiring as other mental disorders (ADHD, autism, etc). I am EXHAUSTED all the time.

275

Rubie-Ann

7 months ago

That people think you can control a panic attack.

240

Jessica

7 months ago

Anxiety can be crippling

195

Our community discussed

Is Anxiety Always About Worry? Understanding Different Expressions, Including Anger Anxiety

Anxiety doesn't look the same for everyone. While some experience classic panic or worry, others describe dissociation, rumination, or even anger. Recognizing these varied manifestations, like anger anxiety, is crucial for true understanding.

Taylor

8 months ago

Anxiety isn’t always panic. Not everyone hyperventilates, rocks back and forth or blacks out.For me it comes out as anger, mood swings or childish behavior. Why? Because to me anger feels more powerful and controllable even when it makes me uncomfortable with myself more.

340

leslie

7 months ago

Anxiety is different for everyone. Some can be more intense than others. Anxiety does not mean you are having a heart attack.

215

Erika

5 months ago

That there is only one type of anxiety. My anxiety could be different daily….it could be rumination, sense of doom, social anxiety, etc

260

Teresa

5 months ago

That being anxious is just about being afraid of something physically hurting us. Anxiety for me is about fear of being seen as incompetent.

205

Advice from our community

How to Better Understand and Support Someone with Anxiety

Acknowledge the Lack of Control: Understand that someone with anxiety cannot simply "turn it off" or "choose" to feel differently. Avoid dismissive phrases like "just relax" or "stop worrying."
Recognize Diverse Symptoms: Be aware that anxiety manifests in many ways beyond typical worry or panic, including physical symptoms, exhaustion, dissociation, irritability, or even anger anxiety.
Validate Their Experience: Instead of minimizing their feelings (e.g., "Everyone gets anxious"), try validating statements like "That sounds really difficult" or "I'm here for you." Comments like Jessica's highlight the struggle: "I’m not trying to come up with a lie I’m trying to find words that make sense that are amongst all the chaos in my brain".
Understand the Physical & Mental Toll: Appreciate that anxiety is genuinely exhausting and can have significant physical consequences. Offer support, not judgment, recognizing the effort it takes to navigate daily life.