Written by University of Saskatchewan College of Nursing Students, December 1, 2017

This is a story about Cole and Julia. They are good friends in Grade 2. Today is show-and-tell.

Today Cole's dad dropped him off at school.

"Have a good day at school Cole", said his Dad.

"Thanks", Cole mumbles, "But my tummy has butterflies. I don't want to do show-and-tell today."

Cole's Dad knows Cole gets very nervous in front of people, more than most kids would.

Cole has Social Anxiety.

"I'm scared," says Cole, "I forget how."

Cole's Dad hugs him and says, "Take three deep breaths and think about getting on the happy brain train!"

Coles Dad says, "When you're scared, sad or mad - imagine your scary thought gets on a train and chugs away."

Chooo Chooooo!

He looks so silly

Haha Haha

Yay!

"Right!" says Cole, "And then one more train comes, that has happy and nice thoughts."

Chooo Chooooo!

Good job Cole!

Yay!

"Look here comes Julia!" Coles dad says, "Maybe she will walk in with you!"

Julia walks up to them and says, "Hey Cole. Why do you look so scared?"

Cole's dad says, "Cole is a little scared about show-and-tell today, will you walk in with him?"

"Yes, lets go Cole!" They hold hands and walk in together.

Julia whispers to Cole, "I don't want to go to school either, I feel so tired and sad, and I didn't bring anything to show."

"Why not?" says Cole.

"I seem to forget things. I just don't feel like anything is fun." whispers Julia

Cole knows that Julia has Depression, this is an adult word for feeling sad and tired all the time.

"Why don't you want to show Froggy?" Julia asks Cole.

"I know I'll say something silly, and everyone will be looking at me! My tummy has butterflies and my face feels hot!" Cole says.

"What did your dad say to you that helped before?" Julia asked.

"He told me to get on the happy brain train!" answered Cole.

Chooo Chooooo!

Chooo Choooo!

"My mom tells me to do that too! It helps!" said Julia.

"Maybe we can do show-and-tell as a team?" Julia asked

"Yes, we can get on the happy brain train together! Lets go ask Mrs. K!" Cole says.

Chooo Chooooo!