Anxiety is Real and Should Not be Taken Lightly

Amber Smith, a British woman who suffers from anxiety and depression, decided to take pictures of herself before and after a panic attack. The reason she did this is because she finds it important for people to know that mental disorders are just as serious as physical disorders.

Her pictures have been shared more than 5,000 times on social networks. Smith was dealing with depression and anxiety since she was 16 years old, formally diagnosed three years ago.

Her description for her photos are as stated, “Top picture: What I showcase to the world via social media. Dressed up, make up done, and filters galore. The ‘normal’ side to me. Bottom picture: Taken tonight shortly after suffering from a panic attack because of my anxiety. Also the ‘normal’ side to me that most people don’t see.”

All mental disorders should be taken seriously and not brushed off as something that someone can easily get over. Mental illnesses can result in a person’s death, whether it is suicide or heart illnesses so it is important for someone with a mental illness to get help.

“I’m so sick of the fact that it’s 2016 and there is still so much stigma around mental health,” Amber stated in her rant on Facebook. “It disgusts me that so many people are so uneducated and judgmental over the topic.”

More people need to start recognizing the importance of treating mental disorders rather than misjudge and think that it is just a phase. Mental disorders should be respected just like any physical disorder.