Myth #1: Feeling anxious = having anxiety

Everyone feels anxious at some point in their life but there is big difference between this and an anxiety disorder.

Well, people with anxiety disorders have constant fears or thoughts that get in the way of their daily life. They can also have physical symptoms like panic attacks, trembling, sweating, a racing heart, trouble breathing, and nausea – and some will go to great lengths to avoid situations they fear.

To sum it up: an anxiety disorder is more chronic and distressing than the sinking feeling you get in your stomach before an exam.

Myth #2: You only have ‘real’ anxiety if you get panic attacks

Many think anxiety is all about panic attacks – and while panic attacks can be part of anxiety, there are actually different types of anxiety disorders, each with different symptoms.

Myth #3: It’ll pass

People with anxiety often think it is something that can just go away on it’s own but saying this to someone with anxiety can be patronising to hear as it is a real medical condition that require to be treated

Anxiety disorders are also associated with depression in 60% of cases which may also need to be treated by a medical professional.

Although anxiety and depression can be as debilitating as a serious physical illness, less than half of the people experiencing these conditions seek help.

Myth #4: It is just attention-seeking

The symptoms that come with anxiety disorders affect a person’s body, mind, and behaviour. Someone with anxiety may have physical symptoms that affect breathing, stomach, muscles and sleep. Thoughts can be affected with exaggerated worry over everyday life, nightmares, anger and irritability. You may lose your temper easily, avoid certain people or places, be easily startled, or limit life experiences.

These are all real symptoms that are not attention-seeking behaviours, but physical signs of an illness.