Missing opportunities because of anxiety.
Hi I'm Bri. I've been dealing with social anxiety for a while, and it fluctuates between getting better and getting worse. I don't really like talking about it with other people, because it feels like I'm burdening them with my problems, which is a dumb way of thinking I guess. I'm starting to miss out on things because of my anxiety. I'm missing out on new possible friends because I can't talk to anybody, and I'm missing out on existing friendships because I can't connect with them. Most of all, I'm missing on cool opportunities because I don't feel comfortable joining in them. There's the cool program at my school that combines a few classes so you have room to do an internship. It's an awesome opportunity, especially since I want to go into medicine. But at the end of the program the student has to give a 20 minute presentation in front of the class, and I'm considering missing out on this awesome program simply because I don't think I'll be able to handle doing that presentation. Anyone have any tips on how to get rid of anxiety, or at least minimize? I'm so sick of feeling anxious...
First, look into your school's disability services and see what they can do for you. Anxiety is a disability and they can make accommodations. As far as the presentation goes, I would try to do it but communicate your disability to the instructors. I think confronting the problem is the best bet because in order to learn how to handle anxiety, you have to put yourself in the uncomfortable position. A presentation is where social anxiety meets performance anxiety. I am a musician and performing has always been an issue for me. After years, I don't shake like I used to and the anxiety isn't apparent to others. Sometimes, I still have panic attacks or pause to take a pill in the middle of a lesson, but I have come a long way. You can practice a presentation and perform it for others to get more comfortable, but it helps to perceive the entire experience as an opportunity to combat your fears.
I can't seem to relax. I worry about life all the time. I just want peace.
Sometimes i wake up in the middle of the night..i cant move because of fear. It is so strong that i wanna scream. I wanna runaway...from bed...house...city...word...but from the other hand i am so paralized with fear that i cant even move and feel safe just in bed. Idk why. This part of my anxiety is the strongest one. Sometimes i am so afraid of this fear which wakes me up in the middle of the night or in the morning that i am afraid of falling asleep. I can stay up even 3days
HiBri. I've had panic disorder for years and know your internal struggle to achieve great things whilethe claws of anxiety pull you back. The best thing that helped me in situations like the one you are facing is visualization. It sounds overly simple, butyou have to try it. Find an alone place where you can talk to yourself and quietlyspeak out the event.
The morning of the presentation, I'll get off the bus and...
hen I get to the classroom, I'll take my seat next to ___ who will be wearingthose same pink sneakers she always wears...
I will listen to others present and write down one quote I liked from each if them (me personally, I count "uh" and "um")
When myname is called, I will walk tothe front of the room and see the big tree out the window...
Be as descriptive as you can and experience the anxiety in a safe
... Place.
ryto notice theplaces where you have the most anxiety so you can be ready for them.
