Quote:
Originally Posted by BlessedRhiannon
When it comes to anxiety, I've found that the truth is sometimes the easiest.
You could simply tell anyone that asks that you're dealing with some anxiety issues and have made alternate arrangements with professors in regards to public speaking.
It's simple, to the point, honest (so there's no lie to remember) and doesn't leave any room for discussion. I know it's hard to reveal something so personal...I've only just now started to be able to do so. I have practiced telling people by telling my dogs, or a mirror, or just saying the words out loud. Being able to honestly tell people that you're struggling with anxiety seems to have eased the terror around telling people something so personal. Each time I tell someone, it gets a little easier, a little less scary, a little less painful.
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I agree with the above entirely, especially the bit about the lie. I know it seems like an impossible task but most people are willing to at least attempt to understand.
The absolute worst part of my nursing course was when I had to stand up in front of the class and explain the results of a research project. I told my nurse educator that I didn't feel able to do it. She was probably the first person I'd mentioned my anxiety disorder to and she was fine with it. She asked me "what's the worst thing that can ever happen to you?" She answered the question for me by saying "die!" She then went on to tell me that getting up in front of the class, no matter how emotionally painful, "won't kill you" and that "you won't die!" I took those words with me to the lectern and once I got going, I was fine. Half the class wasn't even interested. They were either thankful their turn was over or stressing out because they were next.
I'm not intentionally trying to make this "all about me" but really, I was the worst in the world in a social setting back then and if I managed to find a way through in order to get where I wanted to go, then I bet you can do it too!
For people like us who are really anxious about public speaking, we generally rehearse our subject thoroughly so there's no chance of messing up and once we get started the subject matter just seems to flow.
All the best with it anyway,
Rose.