I have recently been put into a work situation which I am finding extremely stressful. As part of this I also need to decide whether I wish to escalate a pretty significant grievance against one of my colleagues or just let it go. I want to escalate - I want to sort this out so it doesn't happen to another person.

The problem is that whenever I become very stressed I end up crying every time I talk about the stressful event. In my mind I can be completely composed and logical but externally I look like a wreck - I have tears, my breathing gets faster (almost hyperventilation) and I struggle to form sentences.

If I was to escalate this I would need to be talking to high up management and need to try and remain composed - both internally and externally. Has anyone ever had this reaction? Does anyone have any tips to overcome it and stop the crying reaction? I know it can be a normal stress reaction but that isn't helpful when sitting in a room with corporate!