The media center has a small, closed-off section designated as the Calm Corner. This space has a comfortable atmosphere and books with relaxing images to help students who may suffer from anxiety disorders or need a moment to calm down during class.

The Calm Corner is funded by a group called Project AWARE. Project AWARE is an initiative by the Arizona Department of Education to provide services, activities, and programs to support the mental development of students. Many students, including students diagnosed with anxiety disorders, aren’t aware of the Calm Corner as a valuable resource for mental health. “I had no idea there was a Calm Corner in the Media Center for students with anxiety! This makes me very happy as someone who is diagnosed with it,” said Chip Camacho, senior.

The Calm Corner is located next to the computers in the media center. Students can access the Calm Corner by asking their teacher for a pass. Students can stay for 30 minutes to the end of the hour. It can only be used for one class period per day, according to Litzy Santana, Social Worker. 

Anxiety disorders are a group of disorders that cause intense fear or dread, different from occasional worry, interfering with everyday life. These types of disorders are very common in teenagers and continue to rise due to expectations of academic performance, self-comparison to others on social media, and overall worries about the future. According to HealthyChildren.org, common symptoms of anxiety disorders include recurring fears or worries about routine parts of life, avoiding social interaction, and trouble sleeping or concentrating. If you suspect you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder, seek help from a licensed medical professional.