Why do I feel guilty for having anxiety when others have it worse?

This type of guilt is incredibly common among people with Anxiety disorder, but it's based on a flawed premise that suffering is a competition where only the person with the 'worst' problems deserves support or compassion. Your Anxiety disorder is real, valid, and deserving of attention regardless of what anyone else is going through. Pain isn't a zero-sum game. Someone else's struggles don't cancel out your own, just like someone else's joy doesn't diminish your happiness. Would you tell someone with a broken leg that they shouldn't seek medical attention because others have cancer? Of course not. Mental health works the same way—your Anxiety disorder deserves care and treatment regardless of the severity of other people's problems. This guilt often stems from internalized messages about being 'strong' or not wanting to be a burden. But minimizing your own struggles doesn't actually help anyone else, and it prevents you from getting the support you need to heal and function better. When you take care of your mental health, you're actually better equipped to support others and contribute positively to the world around you. Your Anxiety disorder matters, your feelings are valid, and you deserve the same compassion you would offer to anyone else struggling with mental health challenges.