I developed an acute anxiety condition in the second grade after an adult bus driver physically and verbally abused me. After years of therapy and living through the physical manifestation of anxiety like experiencing anxiety attacks, feeling like I was choking, etc.,  I learned to embrace anxiety rather than let it overwhelm me.

Everyone has some sort of anxiety, but for people with anxiety conditions, the anxiety is much different. Children try to hide their anxiety as they silently suffer. If you have an anxiety condition though, you can see it in a child’s eyes, actions, voice, etc. When suffering from anxiety, it is near impossible to verbalize to your trusted adult that you need help.

The biggest fear I had in elementary school was that an anxiety attack was oncoming and I was trapped in a classroom with no escape. Some teachers knew about my condition but others didn’t. There were so many times that a teacher did not realize what was happening inside of me and I couldn’t verbalize my feelings.

That’s why I created the band concept. If I had a band that I could put on when anxiety was starting to develop and a teacher would know in advance that I needed help, I would have been able to handle my anxiety condition. The band is a silent voice for a child. It gives a trusted adult a warning that you need help.

I’ve created a pamphlet that allows appropriate administration to embrace the concept. Many students have added the concept to a 504 or other necessary plans to assist them.

Through the bands children don’t need to battle their anxiety condition, like I had to do for many years. Something I learned through my life is that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Let us help you get there.