Ayla is 12 years old and is in 6th grade at Canyon Woods Elementary School. Ayla is a shy introvert who keeps to herself most of the time. Although she has a gentle and kind demeanor, her mind is anything but calm. For the past year she has been experiencing feelings of anxiety, a constant battle of nervousness that makes her feel jittery, uncomfortable and unable to clear her mind of worries. After taking an art class in school she discovered drawing as an outlet for her worries. As her mind was racing she could grab her pencil and let any thoughts loose.

Dear Diary,

Waking up is always the hardest part of my day.  It is slow, can think about all that can go wrong throughout the day, I hate it.

It's hard to explain the physical sensation of anxiety, it is a mix of all different emotions, coming at such a fast pace 

Walking to school is a slow, nerve racking walk. I am always worrying about the overlooming fear of getting embarrassed, what do people think? Does everyone talk about me?

In class, i hate to deal with the troubles of being so stressed. It's not just the fear of failure; it's the fear of judgment. It's like there's a constant battle against myself.

Simple tasks, like raising my hand to ask a question or working with a group on a project, become obstacles in the face of my anxiety. It is hard to explain to someone that doesn’t have it, but just a constant worry that you can mess up at any time.

Lunchtime is the loneliest part of the day. Times like these when I feel the most isolated, like I'm on the outside looking in. The fear of rejection makes me nervous, making it hard to reach out and connect with others.

It's a journey, a process of learning and growth, and though the road may be rocky, I know I have the strength and courage to navigate it.

Until next time,

Ayla