I Am Not Bad, I Have Anxiety

Am I bad?

Many children with anxiety quietly ask themselves this question when worry feels too big, school feels overwhelming, or their bodies react in ways they don't understand.

DJ is a bright 12-year-old who often struggles with anxiety in everyday situations. At school, at home, and with friends, he experiences racing thoughts, physical symptoms like a fast heartbeat and stomachaches, and moments where everything feels like too much. Sometimes he avoids situations. Sometimes he shuts down. Sometimes he wonders if something is wrong with him.

But with steady support from his mom, teachers, and counselor, DJ begins to discover an important truth:

He is not bad. His brain is just trying to protect him.

Through relatable real-life experiences, DJ learns what anxiety is and how it affects the brain and body. With practice and support, he begins using simple, effective coping skills such as deep breathing, grounding techniques, sensory tools, and calming self-talk.

Little by little, he starts to feel more calm, capable, and confident.

This heartfelt story helps children understand anxiety in a safe, validating way while teaching practical skills they can use in real life.

It also supports the adults who care for them with clear, actionable strategies for responding to anxiety at home, in school, and in clinical settings.

Includes Grown-Up Guides for parents, teachers, and mental health professionals with practical tools to support emotional regulation, reduce overwhelm, and build resilience.

This book also supports Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) by helping children develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, self-confidence, responsible decision-making, and healthy coping skills.

Part of the I Am Not Bad series, this book helps children and families better understand anxiety, ADHD, autism, depression, learning differences, and DMDD through compassionate storytelling and real-world skill-building support.