What's the situation with Leo?

Leo feels nervous the day before his classes show and tell. Although he is excited to share his mustache shaped rock, he has a habit of avoiding eye contact, freezing up, and shaking when in front of large crowds. His stomach hurts and his heartbeat accelerates before these sort of events. 

     ROCK EXHIBIT

COMING SOON 

MAY 8TH-27TH

During lunch students take the time to share what they'll be presenting. Instead of heading to the lunchroom, Leo spends his lunch period in the library reading alone. He does this in order to avoid social interactions with other students or teachers. 

   ROCK EXHIBIT

COMING SOON

MAY 8TH-27TH

While browsing through books, Leo's teacher, Ms. Miles, appears. "why aren't you eating with your friends, Leo?" asked Ms. Miles. Leo dreads this question, along with all questions in general. Leo avoids eye contact and starts fidgeting with his shaky hands, which Ms. Miles notices. "Are you alright, Leo?" asks Ms. Miles. Again, Leo is avoiding eye contact and freezes up. It takes a while, but eventually he answers with " Yes. I am fine. I just like it better here, it's quieter." Ms. Miles seems concerned, and decides to end the interaction with "Okay, if you ever need anything or someone to talk to, you know where to find me." Leo sighs with relief as she leaves the library. He thinks to himself "why am I like this? She was just trying to help."

When Anxiety appears

You're braver than you believe, 

and stronger than you seem, 

and smarter than you think.

          -Winnie The Pooh

Ms. Miles brought up the interaction to Mrs. Jones, the school counselor. Mrs. Jones explained that Leo is showing symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder. SAD is when someone experiences intense fear of being rejected, judged, or embarrassed in social situations. Symptoms include fear of social performance and avoidance of situations. It affects approximately 7% of children, with SAD showing up between the ages of 11 and 13. She explains that it could be even harder for Leo right now because he has the show and tell coming up. Mrs. Jones encourages Ms. Miles to speak with Leo and explain that he is not alone. Ms. Miles decides to do exactly that after the show and tell.

What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

           SHOW

            AND

           TELL

During class, the students practiced on the stage, all except Leo. Ms. Miles noticed this and went up to Leo. Leo's stomach dropped when he saw Ms. Miles approaching. "Leo I understand you may be feeling very nervous for tomorrow's show and tell. You don't have to share, but I think what you have to say matters." Leo didn't really know how to respond so he just nodded at Ms. Miles' words. 

Show & Tell 

Approaching

           SHOW

            AND 

           TELL

Leo sat with his rock in hand, his heart racing and palms sweating. "Would you like to go next Leo? Or you can wait." Although Leo was being looked at by every student present, he focused on the encouraging smile Ms. Miles was giving him. "This is my rock" Leo said in a low tone. "I found it hiking with my dad. It's shaped like a mustache." Just like that it was over. Leo's classmates smiled with one saying "that's a pretty cool rock!" Leo sat back down with a pounding heart but this time with pride mixed in. 

Leo's Milestone