Reading – The Worst Things You Can Say To Someone With Mental Illness

As someone who deals with depression, anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder, Rachel Griffin is all too familiar with these insensitive interactions. The New York University graduate student made a video about all of the ridiculous things she’s heard from other people about mental illness. The phrases range from confusing to downright frustrating.

The worst thing someone ever said to her came from a friend: “‘After you told me you have depression I had a dream you were chasing me with an ax,'” Griffin recalled her friend telling her. “I was so hurt because I am such a gentle, compassionate person. I don’t even kill bugs!”

While the video is meant to offer a humorous take, it also perfectly highlights the isolating social struggle so many people with mental illness face on a daily basis. Approximately one in four people will experience some sort of mental health issue in their lifetime, according to the World Health Organization.

The Worst Things You Can Say To Someone With Mental Illness