Anxiety

Hi there. You might not know my name, but you’ve definitely felt me before. I’m Anxiety. I’m that fluttery, jumpy feeling in your stomach before you have to do something new, like starting the 3rd grade or speaking in front of the class. Sometimes I make your heart beat super fast and your palms get all sweaty. It can feel a little strange, and sometimes it can be overwhelming. My job is to get you ready for big moments, but sometimes I can be a little too loud or show up when you don't expect me to. I am the feeling of being anxious.

I visit everyone, and I remember some of my biggest moments with my person, Leo. I was there on the 12th of October when he had to present his science project about volcanoes. I made his voice feel stuck in his throat and his hands shake a little as he held up his poster. I also showed up for his soccer tryouts, making his legs feel wobbly because he was so worried about missing the ball. He could feel me in his stomach doing flips. I even pop up during fun times. Once, at a birthday party, Leo didn't know many kids, and I made him feel super shy. He just wanted to stand near his mom instead of joining the games.

For a while, Leo didn't like it when I came around. He thought I was just there to make him feel bad. But then, he learned some amazing tricks to help me calm down when I get too strong. He learned to take three slow, deep 'dragon breaths' in through his nose and out through his mouth. It felt like a warm hug for his chest and helped his racing heart slow down. He also started telling his dad about me. Just talking about his worries made them feel smaller and less scary. I was still there before his big piano recital on the 2nd of May, but this time he whispered, 'It's okay, Anxiety, we can do this together.' And he played beautifully.

See, I’m not really a bad guy. I’m more like a smoke alarm, trying to warn you that something important is happening and you need to pay attention. I continue to help people today by giving them that extra energy to study hard for a test or by helping them remember to look both ways before crossing the street. I am a part of what keeps you safe and prepared. Learning to listen to me without letting me be the boss is a special skill. It helps kids like Leo become braver, more thoughtful, and ready for anything. My story shows that understanding your feelings is a big step toward growing strong.