[Holly07]

There are days when I experience a stressful event that I feel so overwhelmed, insecure and inadequate and that may going for a few days after the stressful situation. I just can't seem to snap out of it. For example, I had to approach an individual with a difficult personality about how I expect to be treated if we are to work together. I am a quite and reserved person so that was difficult for me--trying to determine how I would approach the conversation, trying to anticipate responses, etc. In addition, I agreed to be on a team who purpose was improve a particular process. That was uncomfortable for me as I know the steps of the process, however, there were things I was learning from others about the process that I wasn't aware of and I am the type of person that needs time to take informaition in and process it, but I felt forced to come up with somethng right away to show that I was engaged in the process. I am an introvert and I wanted to contribute to this team, but felt inhibited by my own feelings of inadequatcies and fears. The extroverts seem to process information quicker than I and could immediate contribute to the team. Furthermore, since there was a few of us on the team who were available for a week to map out a new process we had to provide the other members on the team and other ad hoc members with a report out of what was accomplished. When it got to my turn to speak, my throat begin to close, I was sweating and shaking, I felt like I just wanted to run out of the room...I really rather avoided the situation,but unfortunately I could not get out of it. I don't like being this way and I really hope that I can over come the fear of speaking to people. I really want to be more secure and confident, but it is just so challenging for me. I feel bad when I see others conduct themselve well in these situations and I just fall apart. The sense of gloom and insecurity still looms over my head at this very moment. I am also thinking about all that needs to be accomplished next week, all that I need to catch up on that I couldn't get done last week dut to being apart of the team to improve a process. I want to give my best, but I wonder is it me keeping myself from being the best I can be. Am I allowing others to diminish who I can be. I feel so alone and feel like I have no one to talk to. There are vey few people who you can trust and fewer that even care what you are going through. I just want to be in a consistent peacful state of mind. I do not like being out of control and that is exactly how I feel right now. Is there anyone who knows what this feels like. I can use some encourgement right now.

i know it's hard to speak up in work situations when you feel anxious. and it's hard to do public speaking.....BUT, it can all be improved.

there are some good books, i'm sure, that you could read and do some practicing at home. i always practice a speech to my dogs and cats several times.....

and if the truth be known, a lot of the people that you're working with are probably also very anxious about their presentations.

it takes time to do anything well. you might talk to your immediate supervisor to let them know about your struggles and maybe get some suggestions on it......good luck, pat

Hi Holly,

First off, welcome to PC. Secondly, yes I know how this feels.

Whenever you feel anxious, just breathe and try to relax. It is a question of confidence and/or practice. For some people (introverts), it can be difficult to put themselves forward.

Is there an activity you enjoy doing? Maybe you could join a class... and that way learn to put yourself forward around people etc. Or if the 'symptoms' are more severe, maybe counselling or relaxation techniques might help.

[Holly07]

Thanks for the feedback. I have read books but for some reason when I read a book in the confort of my own home where I don't feel threatened, it is different from being in the actual situation. However, I will keep these thoughts in mind. Happy Monday

[Holly07]

I enjoy yoga. I have only practiced it a couple of times. I haven't gone lately not because I don't want to it is just I find that my time is so limited and by the end of the day and week I am too exhausted to do anything. Thanks for the suggestions.