Drexal the Alien has been living on an isolated moonbase for a long time, and in Galaxy Brain, Episode 1, he feels nervous about a virtual meeting with friends. He makes excuses as his social anxiety grows, stating that he feels safer being alone and everyone will probably just laugh at him.

Meeting friends virtually, especially after not seeing them for a long time, can be tough. Many of us earthlings have had to shift to online spaces during the pandemic. Staying connected with other people can be tough, especially for those who feel anxious in social situations. Luckily, Drexal has a helpful computer sidekick who explains that everyone feels social anxiety sometimes, and usually things turn out just fine!

 

 

Galaxy Brain Social Anxiety Caretoons

Sharing is Caring

You are not alone in your struggle. Remember that it’s normal to feel anxiety, especially as the world around us changes. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from someone you trust or find a friend to talk to about your feelings, like Drexal the Alien does.

Share Drexal’s video series with other people you know and see if any of them feel the same way. It’s a fun way to share your feelings and may help your friends, too! It’s important to talk about how you feel. Keep the conversation going! Let kids know that it’s okay to talk about their feelings and give them a safe space to express themselves. Continue to normalize talking about mental health by sharing your own fears, anxieties, and feelings.

► Have you felt scared or anxious about talking to friends and classmates in person or online?
► Do you worry that you might say something embarrassing?
► Can you think of anyone else who may feel the same way you do?
► Who is someone you trust that you could talk about your feelings?

For ideas on how to use episodes of our Caretoons series about social anxiety to talk to kids and youth, take a look at our article over here.

 

Time Travelling Pizza Caretoons

 

 

You can also take a look at our other Caretoons series, Time Travelling Pizza, where Chris Crust deals with his own social anxiety!

See all our Caretoons episodes featuring fun characters dealing with their anxieties over here.

Talking About Social Anxiety

Galaxy Brain is an animated series for pre-teens and teens, focusing on topics like social anxiety, health anxiety, contamination OCD, and more. With humour and heart, our Caretoons normalize anxiety in an entertaining way and encourage seeking help from a trusted parent, teacher, or friend.

As a parent, educator, or healthcare provider, it can be difficult to talk to pre-teens and teens about mental health, especially during the unprecedented times of the pandemic. Anxiety Canada created Caretoons, the animated series, to inspire open communication that allows youth to open up about their anxiety. It’s important they know that talking about their fears can be helpful and that they’re not alone.

Many youths don’t realize that what they are feeling is anxiety, as we all face new situations daily during the pandemic and beyond. Being able to name their anxieties, recognize symptoms of anxiety, and understand the impact it has on their lives, are important steps you can help them with.

 

 

For more on helping children and teens with anxiety, take a look at our helpful links below.

Social Anxiety in Kids + Youth – What is social anxiety and how can you help?

Anxiety 101 – Recognize how anxiety affects your thoughts, body, and life as a teenager.

Educator Resources – Information and resources for parents and educators.

Galaxy Brain Social Anxiety Caretoons

 

Caretoons, the animated series, was created with the support of British Columbia’s Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions by Point Blank Creative and Anxiety Canada. Voiced by acclaimed comedian and author, Charlie Demers.