The Lemon Stress Ball That Changed Everything

When people hear that I started my own mental health company at 14, the first question is always: Why?

Why mental health? Why now? Why you?

And every time, my mind goes straight back to one person, Mrs. Brittany Kidwell.

She was my school social worker at North Daviess Elementary in Odon, Indiana when I was in 5th grade. I was going through a really rough time in my life. I won’t get into the details, because some things need to stay personal but I will say that without her, I really don't know where I would be at.

Mrs. Kidwell’s office/The sensory room was more than just a space in the school it was a lifeline. I still remember everything about it, there was this calming fish tank bubble lamp in the corner that lit up and made this peaceful gurgling sound. Kind of like water bubbling up in a quiet stream, and it was hypnotizing. There were boxes full of fidgets such as pop-its, stretchy strings, and little puzzles. That room had the soft kind of lighting that made you feel like you were not in school anymore, but somewhere safe.

And then there was the lemon stress ball.

It wasn’t some big emotional moment. She didn’t give a speech or anything, she just randomly handed it to me one day, like it was no big deal and she gave one to each of my sisters too, Lily and Tinslee. But for some reason, that small yellow lemon stuck with me. I squeezed it constantly. It was soft and simple and didn’t ask anything from me. And somehow, just holding it helped me feel a little more in control of everything else going on during these rough times. I still have that lemon stress ball. It sits on my shelf as a reminder of the small things that can make a big difference.

Mrs. Kidwell never pushed me to talk. She just let me exist in her space quiet, overwhelmed, and needing someone to simply see me as me. And she did. Her kindness, patience, and just being there meant more than she will ever realize. That kind of support made me believe in the power of safe spaces, and it made me want to create one for others.

That’s why I founded Solera Behavioral Health.

At Solera, we offer educational lessons, group discussions, and mental health resources to help people, especially youth, learn how to manage stress, life's emotions, and life’s unexpected challenges. We’re not trying to be a hospital or a therapist’s office. We’re a place where people can connect, learn, and know that they’re not alone, and there is help available.

Mrs. Kidwell helped me see that even quiet support, given without any explanation, can stick with someone forever. Solera exists because of her. Because of that fish tank lamp. Because of the calm environment she created. Because of the lemon stress ball.

So thank you, Mrs. Kidwell, for the random kindness, for seeing me and my sisters, for creating a space where we could just be. You sparked something in me that’s grown into this mission, a mission to make sure no kid feels like they have to carry everything alone.

And thank you, again, for the lemon. It changed everything.

— Jayden Werden

Founder, Solera Behavioral Health

Mrs. Kidwell and I, while I was in 5th grade.