Hi everyone! My first post intro.!

[sarah37]

I'm Sarah and I'm glad to have found a place to talk about myself and my problems and hopefully help others understand theirs.
I have been suffering from anxiety for approx. 10 years. I mostly have social anxiety and especially with any kind of public speaking. Due to the nature of my new job (Activities Director), I am currently getting counseling to conquer this fear. It is sometimes required to speak to a fairly small crowd and I completely fall apart and make up and excuse to not have to speak. Embarrassing to say the least as I start sweating and turning red. I can not get away with this much longer so this is why I am working with my Dr. It is sooo hard to handle ANY kind of public speaking. Usually I am fine in a regular setting but not always. I really am trying to do everything right so I don't loose my job. Thanks to all!

[Cullingford]

Hi Sarah nice to meet you and welcome to the forum, I am afraid I don't have any advice to give you on public speaking as even the thought of it petrifies me. I just wanted to say hello.

[sarah37]

Thank you for responding! This job may not be for me. I'm scared to death. I just found out I will have to speak to about ten people at work on Friday and I'm freaking out. Probably will call in sick and then get fired...oh well. I think I going to start looking for another job. I can't do this.

[Cullingford]

I Know how hard this is for you but I really think you should you should face it and not avoid it. Just imagine how good you will feel if you do it and it goes alright! there are going to be a load of people here now waiting for you to return triumphant.

[Dahila]

Hi Sarah welcome to the forum;)

[creative ineptitude]

Welcome fellow nooby.

[Kuma]

Sarah -- you CAN beat the fear of public speaking. I am not saying it is easy, but you can do it. Maybe try cognitive behavioral therapy. I agree with Cullingford -- don't give up! When you overcome it, you will feel great about yourself, and maybe you will even be able to help someone else who has the same fear.

[Dahila]

My daughter is in the same situation and she was attending " Master toast" or something like that. It was a course preparing people for public speaking. She is better now. She was attending it for a year or so:)) Good luck Sarah:)

[sarah37]

Thanks everyone! I am going to try to speak on Friday. I must try to conquer this even if I make a fool out of myself. Trying very hard to stay positive. I going for it!! I think I will step up my valium a notch..little over a half and hope for the best! Whewww! this is scaring the shit out of me!!!

Will let you know probably on Tuesday the outcome. Going on a mini vacation Friday after work. I'm going to need it!!

Its nice to talk about my problems to all of you. Thank you for listening!

[Cullingford]

Well done Sarah I look forward to hearing of your great victory.

[Dahila]

Do not notch the valium take a usual dose, I had been there and failed the drivers test because I was to calm;)) Take as much as you need to take the edge off, and of course be the best. Keep us posted :)

[sarah37]

Hi everyone I'm back. Went on a nice vacation and have been busy with my new job. Ok now for the details of how my public speaking went. Let's just start off by saying "Horrible", but I'm glad I did it anyway. Here's the story.
I was called up to introduce myself and talk about what activities I have in mind for the residents. It's a retirement home I'm working at. Anyway I had all of this written down and thought I could just simple read most of it and act like I'm talking naturally. NOT happening. As soon as I got to the podium and looked up at approx. 100 people I literally froze for like 2 minutes. Oh God!!! I'm blushing and ready to go home. I forced myself to start reading and THEN started fumbling over my words looking like I don't know how to read. This went on for a good 5 minutes of humiliation. I then explained that I have never spoke publically and I was very nervous and apologized for my bad performance. Surprisingly everyone was polite and applauded me and told me not to worry about it etc... Time has passed and I feel like things are back to normal, but I still feel like there are people who think I don't know how to read because I was so dam nervous. I woman was completely rude the next day and asked me if I took English in HS. Other than that I'm glad I did it and I really don't want to do it again, but if I have to I am confident I will improve. I did notice I got better toward the end. So yes I looked like a buffoon but I am proud I did it. I truly believe we must face our fears to conquer them even if it means making an ass out of yourself. Anyway, its over and I don't think I will have to speak anytime soon. I also think I could have never done this without my Valium. I took 5mg. of Roche Valium and it helped immensely to calm me. Everyone is different, but Valium is a lifesaver for me. Thanks for listening everyone!