In today’s fast-paced world, where technology seemingly rules all and medical breakthroughs are happening left and right, it’s alarming that anxiety remains one of the most misunderstood and dismissed mental health conditions. Too often, the response to someone experiencing anxiety is a simple, and oftentimes dismissive, “Just relax” or “You think too much.” But the reality is, anxiety is a complex and debilitating condition that cannot be solved with a quick fix. It requires understanding, support, and most importantly, empathy.
Anxiety is a powerful force that can cripple a person’s daily life in unimaginable ways. It can take the form of constant worry and fear, making even the simplest tasks seem daunting and overwhelming. And for others, it may manifest as paralysing panic attacks that leave them feeling helpless and trapped. It does not discriminate and can affect anyone, regardless of their age, gender, or background. Yet, despite its prevalence and impact, there is still a stigma surrounding anxiety. Many are quick to label those struggling with anxiety as weak or attention-seeking, forcing them to suffer in silence. But the truth is that seeking help and support for anxiety takes immense strength and bravery. It is recognising that our mental health is just as important as our physical health and making the choice to prioritise it. It can be easy to dismiss someone’s struggles as being “dramatic” or an attempt to avoid responsibilities. But as I observed my students’ behaviour, it became clear that there was something deeper going on. She started avoiding school altogether and seemed to be constantly preoccupied with small things. Appeared exhausted and had a difficult time even eating. I couldn’t help but wonder what was causing this drastic change in her behaviour. As I got to know her better, it became apparent that she was dealing with some intense personal struggles
Imagine being plagued by constant anxiety and fear, but instead of receiving the necessary help, you are blamed for simply “thinking negatively.” This was the case for one student of mine, who is constantly labelled as an attention seeker. It breaks my heart to think of the struggle and pain she must have gone through, feeling unsupported and misunderstood by those closest to her. It’s all too common for people to brush off mental health concerns as simply “negative thinking,” without truly understanding the gravity and complexity of the situation. It was a wake-up call for me to not jump to conclusions and to instead approach people with empathy and understanding. We never know what battles someone may be going through, and it’s important to offer support and kindness instead of judgment and dismissal.
It’s natural to want to find a quick fix or a solution within our control, but sometimes the reality is that professional help and support are what’s truly necessary. It’s important to recognise the value and power of therapy and psychological care in navigating mental health challenges. Instead of judgment and dismissal, what she needed was empathy and understanding. With proper treatment and support, her condition could have improved, and she could have found a sense of peace and healing. We wouldn’t ignore a broken leg or a high fever, so why do we ignore the pain we can’t see
It’s time to start talking openly about anxiety, not just on social media but in our homes, schools, and workplaces. We must educate ourselves on the signs and symptoms, validate the feelings of those struggling, and encourage them to seek help without shame or judgment. Seeking therapy or medication should not be seen as a weakness, but rather as an act of bravery. The truth is, anxiety can be managed with early intervention, compassion, and the right treatment. However, for this to be possible, we must first break the silence surrounding mental health. It’s time to start seeing mental health as equally important as physical health, and to provide the necessary support and resources to those who are struggling. So let’s start speaking up and reaching out to those struggling with anxiety, and instead of offering empty cliches, let’s offer a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, and the empathy they truly need. It’s time to recognise and value the importance of mental health and give anxiety the attention and understanding it deserves
