Have you ever tried talking to someone about your anxiety and been really put off? Because I have. Recently in the middle of a mild panic attack, I reached out to a friend who told me I needed to take a chill pill, and just relax. Like I was supposed to be cured magically, like I wouldn’t have done that if I was able to. Here is what I wish I had said:
- I’m sorry, I had not thought of calming down at all, I figured I’d just continue to feel out of breath, and sweaty and with my heart pounding just for the heck of it because why the hell not?
- Wow, thank you. I could not have calmed down without you. I don’t need you to validate my emotions and acknowledge that this is out of my control, and that I wish I could stop it. All better now.
- A chill pill? Where is said chill pill? Is it going to make me instantly calm down, because then I want it, because trust me, I WANT TO CHILL.
- How about I punch you in the chest and then ask you to just chill? Because right now I feel like someone punched me in the chest so hard, because I cannot breathe, it hurts, and my heart is racing.
- You were absolutely no help, in fact you are making it worse by making me feel even more helpless, and stupid for reaching out to you.
If you know someone who suffers from anxiety, please please do not ever underestimate his or her emotions/reactions. Though they may seem to be “overreacting” to trivial things, to us it is honestly a big deal. Sometimes you don’t even have to say anything because just listening is great help.
