worried about speaking infront of people

tina24 · Newbie User Joined: Jul 18, 2008 Posts: 3

hi all.

i am a new member, just joined up today.

i would like to share with u all a massive problem that i have lived with for almost my whole life i am now (24).

i am extemely anxious about speeking infront of people, speaking on the phone to new peaple and even writing infront of people. i worry that i sound stupid when doing so or that i do not make sence and ultimetly i worry that people will find out how STUPID i really am.

the reason why i have chosen to speak out on it now is because it is really interfering in my job performance. as a nurse i am expected to speak to all different types of health professiols eg: doctors pychologists social workers and of course other nurses. each time i am expected to talk to somebody i go red, my heart races and i get very very anxious and also a sick feeling in my stomach like owerwhelming doom takes over. i then concentrate on their faces to see what they are thinking of me and this usually results in me stuffing up what i am saying.

has anybody else experienced this?

Lexmark · Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2008 4:39 am Post subject:

Pretty much everyone here experiences that.
Even if you did say something stupid wats the worst that could happen ?
Thats wat my phych always says anyway.

stalker_in_sydney · Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2008 5:02 pm Post subject:

So do I. I worry alot. I'm 21 years old. I've experienced this shit all my life too.

Even lost couple of jobs because of fear of communication in person.

Helyna · Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2008 6:14 pm Post subject:

Typical SAD. At least you have a good job, unlike so many people here.
Welcome to the site!

_________________
"Usually a person has more faith in their fear than faith in their future."
-Doug Firebaugh
http://www.socialphobialife.com/ - a new forum, sign up and help start a new community!

jayo · Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2008 8:59 pm Post subject:

I had this for so long and my early and mid 20s.

Eventually, I cam through a lot of this just by perservering - staying in the game.

I had so many meetings and discussions each day that I became immersed in all of this and overcame much of the anxiety.

You are a nurse - top marks - be kind to yourself.
You deserve it to yourself to come through the anxiety.

Tip 1 - visualise yourself succeeding and listen to subliminal tapes on self esteem - louise hay is one example.

_________________
Whether you think you can or you can't, you're probably right