Getting through her anxiety

[misty]

Shannon has developed a pretty bad case of anxiety. Her therapist is working on getting her a psychologist appointment so we can try some meds that may help. In school this has started affecting her work, as they have to do many many presentations in several of her classes. I met with her school social worker & we drew up an agreement that will stop Shannon from missing school due to anxiety & also gives her clear guidelines of what symptoms she must have to stay home (fever, throwing up. etc....this will stop her from using anxiety symptoms to stay home), what to do when she's anxious in school (ranging from deep breathing, self talk, to seeking out adult help).

So...she had her first big test yesterday. She had to actually "teach" a class about propaganda in English class. She made a really cool web presentation & flawlessly gave it to me & her grandma, but when it came time to face the class, she was panicking. She wanted to not even do it & take a zero. I emailed her advisory teacher before school & she met Shannon right off the bus and gave her a pep talk. She agreed to stay right by Shannon's side & help if need be. So Shannon was forced (with my blessing) to face this task. Anyway, here's the email her English teacher sent me yesterday after the class:

Mrs. Loughner,

SHE DID A WONDERFUL JOB! Shannon earned 100% today on her presentation without any added adult assistance. This assignment was not easy, but Shannon proved to herself that taking the risk of trying was worth the reward of being successful. Her peers learned a great deal from her lesson on propaganda and, quite honestly, I believe she had better lesson examples than I have used to teach the same skill in past years! You should be very proud of Shannon for her work and persistence today... I know I am.

Ms. K.


I love this school! I love getting feedback, & that teachers care enough to help the students & be there for them emotionally as well. I'm so proud of Shannon, not only for the great grade, but for being brave & facing a fear.

[jj]

Wow! I think I love that school too! That is just awesome she did so well.

[bugsmom]

Misty, that is just AWESOME!!!! Tell Shannon that we are sooooooooooooo proud of her. I think all the wonderful feedback will give her a HUGE boost for the next time she has to present something in front of her peers. If she can just remember the great feeling she had from this experience, that's what can pull them through. I'm so excited for her!!!

I have said for many years on here that Josh's anxiety is so much harder to deal with than his ADHD. Anxiety can't be talked away...it's REAL to them, physically, mentally, and emotionally. There was a time we did medicate for Josh's anxiety, but with lots of therapy, support, and a school change we got through.

Josh had only one bad panic attack/anxiety issue during his Freshman year. He also told his teacher he would take a 0. We ended up working it out that he was able to do his speech to his Resource Room teacher, instead of infront of his peers. He also was prepared...very prepared, but one of the kids in the class told him his topic was stupid right before he was to give his speech....ugggggg! He went into a tailspin and left the room. This year in his 504, we stipulated that if he didn't feel comfortable speaking in front of his peers, he could do it for his RR teacher. Just having that option made him feel better. He has done all his speeches with his classes this year.

Give Shannon a big high-five from us all!!

[charliegirl]

That is wonderful! I was actually thinking she shouldn't be forced to do a presentation in front of her peers but this is even better! Way to go Shannon!

[misty]

Thanks everyone & Shannon says Thanks as well.

I'm glad they made her do it. Its only going to be harder next time if she had been able to get out of it this time. This way she knows that even though it was hard & scary, she CAN do it & come out all the better for it. I don't want her fears to incapacitate her.

[aimee8305]

Awwww....Way to go Shannon! Sounds like she is getting really good support at her school. So nice to hear!

[John]

Dawn, that's Great News.

[jill]

I used to hate doing presentations to the class when I was in school so if she did it wow. I am glad she did well.