[shadow11]

actually it's just one class in Choctaw language and culture. it starts next wednesday and i'm feeling very anxious about it. i signed up for it just for fun and to make myself get out of the house and socialize with others. i'm not as worried about getting a good grade as much as just keeping myself together and not having any major panic attacks out in public. just the idea of being in a room full of people freaks me out. i know i can do it and will feel better for it afterwards but i'm just keep thinking about it and getting more anxious. the other thing is that when i tell my friends about taking the class they all say "you'll do great" and that, for some reason, just makes me feel worse. i know they mean it as a compliment but it just adds to the pressure.

[blueoctober]

shadow11 I don't know if this will help you, but my friend use to say "worrying is making oneself suffer before anything even happens". Living in the "what if's" is mentally exhaustive and I tend to imagine things to be way worse than the actual outcome. Saying "Stop" in my mind helps break the negative cycle. Perhaps try to practice positive visualization and imagine yourself walking into class, being successful, meeting great people etc. etc. I don't know if you see a therapist, but if you do perhaps you should work through this topic.

I think it's great that you decided to take a course! Good for you!

[BlackPup]

Its a little bit pessimistic and includes some of those "what ifs"....
something I do if I'm being ridiculous about things is say "even if the worst happens and I do" (whatever) "does it really matter...."
-What does it matter if some strangers see you anxious or panicky?
-What does it matter what those strangers think about anything about you? It doesn't change a thing - what about family - does that really matter????

I used to see people looking at me everywhere, Why are you dressed like that in the shops? How dumb is she? How did she get in to...? What's with your hair? What's with your face? You're so fat you shouldn't be eating/buying that? Why aren't you at work? You are a lazy...... you get the point... really they probably were too busy thinking about their own worries and even if they weren't WHO CARES!!!!!! end rant!

[thinker22]

That's cool you're studying Choctaw. That's one of the tribes of my ancestry. The two I know of anyway are Choctaw and Creek. I'm like 1/16th Native American. Tell us if you learn anything cool about them.

I don't have much advice about getting over the anxiety, but maybe if you have them, take a benzo an hour before you go on the first day.

[shadow11]

thanks, for giving me some perspective on the situation. i appreciate the support. i think i'll do some visualization of positive scenarios, take a benzo and ask myself whats the worst that can happen. i've learned some coping skills in therapy, but when an actual situation comes up i'm easily overwhelmed and forget them all. thanks for reminding me.