Performance Anxiety

jcra · Post by **jcra** » Tue Apr 08, 2008 3:19 pm

From the time I was a young child I always remember being terrified of performing in public, whether it be singing, speaking or sometimes just telling a little about myself in small groups. I'm now 35 years old, and after several years of decently coping with these issues I have reverted back to being terrified. It started over a year ago when I was put on the spot to do a small presentation for which I was un-prepared. I had a panic attack in front of a small group. I played it off as illness but was terrified afterward as I knew that my childhood fears had come back. For the past year I have dealt with severe anxiety to the point of avoiding any situation for which I might be put on the spot, even saying the evening blessing with my immediate family. I started taking Lexapro a few months back and also started this program. My general anxiety is virtually gone, although I still struggle with performance anxiety. I'm typically Ok when I can interject myself into a conversation when I choose. I tend to panic when I have been asked to prepare something and all eyes are on me. Any helpful suggestions would be appreciated.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 9:54 am

I think it's a matter of just doing something uncomfortable long enough to get used to it. I think you have to feel ready to put yourself under the stress in order to practice this, but I think it's just getting used to doing something which is stressful and unfamiliar or doing something you don't have a lot of confidence in doing. Nothing more than that.

I played basketball in high school and was pretty good at it. We got to the state tournament my junior year and I received honors my senior year. That was a long time ago. Thirty years past and there was to be a battle of teams at my old high school. It pitted one coach's teams from his years at the hs against another coach's teams from his years at the hs. So, we had guys from age 26 or 27 to my age, age 47 playing. I had no apprehension or anxiety about playing until the second half of the game got underway. I had already played several minutes in the first half. The second time I was put in I felt the pangs of an oncoming panic attack as I was running down the court. I had never felt this on a basketball court. I got angry at the fear. It gradually went away, but if I had to do something like this again it's reasonable it could happen again. I'd just need to be subjected to the same stimulus long enough that I no longer had fear and got used to it. But, I'd have to be in control of when I subjected myself to it.

I think the skills of the program can get you past this with enough practice.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 10:09 am

Don is right that you just have to do it, to feel the fear and do it anyway, but BABY STEPS. Brainstorm about how you can start slowly. You mentioned the evening blessing...maybe someone else could say the blessing and you say the Amen part. Or you try saying the blessing if everyone agrees to close their eyes in prayer at first. Then progress to open eyes. Something very slow. You have a lot of skills you didn't have a year ago, keep reminding yourself.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 2:50 pm

jcra. I know exactly how you feel. In college I avoided any situation where I had to give a presentation or even talk in a group if I knew they were expecting me to talk. After college I didn't have these situations occur for about 3 years. Now, in the job I'm in, they are going to expect me to give small presentations in meetings!! I hate even talking in a meeting. I have been at this job for about 3 years now, so I can't just leave. I have signed up for a dale carnegie course that is supposed to help with communication skills and reducing fear. I'm also thinking about joining a toast masters club if i can stomach it. I would suggest looking into these.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Apr 11, 2008 9:31 am

Originally posted by jcra:
From the time I was a young child I always remember being terrified of performing in public, whether it be singing, speaking or sometimes just telling a little about myself in small groups. I'm now 35 years old, and after several years of decently coping with these issues I have reverted back to being terrified. It started over a year ago when I was put on the spot to do a small presentation for which I was un-prepared. I had a panic attack in front of a small group. I played it off as illness but was terrified afterward as I knew that my childhood fears had come back. For the past year I have dealt with severe anxiety to the point of avoiding any situation for which I might be put on the spot, even saying the evening blessing with my immediate family. I started taking Lexapro a few months back and also started this program. My general anxiety is virtually gone, although I still struggle with performance anxiety. I'm typically Ok when I can interject myself into a conversation when I choose. I tend to panic when I have been asked to prepare something and all eyes are on me. Any helpful suggestions would be appreciated.

Hi JC,
I think that social anxiety has some very specific needs. I am researching it as much as I can. It is different than generalized anxiety d/o. I will start an informal forum on the post that I suggested on. Maybe we could get something going. But we do need a moderator who knows something about PA/SP.

Lemme know if you are interested,

Fond.
Fond

Bakedpears · Post by **Bakedpears** » Fri Apr 11, 2008 9:45 am

JCRA, thank you for posting your story, I too struggle with the same thing. Still after all this time, I am not able to even introduce myself to a room of people.(baby showers, parties, etc)UGH, I get so panicky and I feel as if I need to run out of the room. My heart starts to pound, I shake and feel nausias(sp?)My voice quivers BAD and I sweat!!! I would love to see a topic specifically dealing with this type of social anxiety! I've got most of my anxiety under control, but this one I avoid at all cost. What's up with that???????