It’s that nagging feeling that leaves one’s mind spinning with thoughts.

Sweaty palms, shortness of breath, nausea.

Its appearance is most certainly unwelcome.

Headache, dizziness, fatigue.

The emotion can stick with you for weeks on end.

Muscle tension, trembling, lack of concentration.

While it is completely normal to feel nervous over things like making a speech, taking a test, playing a big game, etc., worry can sometimes become a part of an individual’s daily life. Uncontrollable worry that goes untreated often leads to anxiety disorders, which are much serious matters.

People today often treat anxiety and mental illness as minuscule problems with little importance. The absolute worst scenario involves a rather ignorant individual telling a person who suffers with this disorder to “suck it up” or “deal with it.” I have also heard the infamous, “there are children dying and you are worried about that?”

Individuals often disregard how such simple phrases can make the situation worse. While most may be able to handle such comments, people suffering with anxiety are a lot more sensitive to them then you may think. They can make a person feel hopeless and misunderstood.

In fact, living in a first world nation with a rather high standard of living does not mean there are no social problems. America is ranked No. 1 in cases of mental illness. Most people with mental illness are aware of the problems going on in the world. But, one must understand that an anxiety disorder has a greater effect on a person that it may seem. Research shows that biological and environmental factors are usually the cause, which can result in a chemical imbalance in the brain and produce irrational fear and worry.

So instead of putting down mental illness, try to lend a hand.While anxiety or depression may seem hard to understand for someone who does not go through it, it does not mean that it should be taken lightly. Getting professional help is imperative. By aiding someone you know struggling with such an illness, we are that much closer to slowly eliminating the misconception and raising more awareness.