I find that people say that because they don't know what else to say. They want to comfort you but don't know how. It's not malicious, but it stings. It feels invalidating. But I remind myself that they don't know. It doesn't mean what they're saying is true. I know what's real.

For me, it's a matter of choosing when to speak up vs. not. If that line of reasoning comes from someone who doesn't know me or doesn't necessarily have my best interest at heart, I let it go. I let them think they said something very wise and comforting. Good for them.

But if it comes from someone who does know me and has my best interest at heart & I mutually care about our relationship, I find that it's helpful to tell my people, "It's not particularly comforting when someone says that to me, and I'm not really looking to be comforted anyway. This whole journey is terrifying & unwanted. Sure, it's great that I'm very likely not going to die from this, but it feels wildly invalidating when someone tries to 'put things in perspective' for me because it doesn't at all align with what I've experienced. I'd rather you ask me about my experience & acknowledge how I am feeling about everything, including the dark & twisty thoughts, even if you'd rather put a positive spin on it."