If you’re often worried sick before school, you might have anxiety.

If so, read this great article about what anxiety is and how to get help if you think that you suffer from it. The article was written by Howard J. Bennett,who is a practicing pediatrician in the Washington DC area.

Here are some signs from the article that you may have an anxiety problem.

• You avoid situations because you’re afraid something bad will happen.

• You worry so much that you don’t enjoy what you’re doing.

• You have lots of stomachaches, especially before school.

If you think you have anxiety, talk to your parents about it. You can also talk to your counselor, your social worker, the school psychologist, or the school nurse.

The most important thing is this: Don’t beat yourself up! Being anxious is not something you can simply turn off.