Anxiety change so much

[Raquella24]

Hi. I'm writing because I suffer big anxiety sometimes. But this feeling change so often. When I have to speak in public sometimes I can do it so so I'm not perfect but I can handle it . Other times as today I feel I will dye infront of people I feel my heart is so fast I'm shaking I have stomachache and I don't know how to stop. How can I overcome this?

[Raquella24]

Thanks all of you for your kind answers!
Mammo you are right I need to change my mind about this and maybe become easier. Your advices encourage me I don't need to be perfect maybe sounds obvious but I hadnt think that way.
Cj29. Thanks and I know you are rigth this is not easy. Yes I have other situations when I don't feel good and is mostly when is a lot of people and o have to speak at loud not only public, also in my classroom, in parties, etc. I don't care when is 3 or 4 persons but when there are more I feel very shy .:s

[cj29]

I agree...many people have a fear of public speaking.  And remember anxiety and panic can come at the most inoppertune times even if we have previously  been through the exact same experience panic free time after time.  I also agree that you should not expect perfection and not be too hard on yourself.  Just the fact that you get up there is something that you should give yourself credit for; that is no easy feat to accomplish in my opinion.

Do you have other social situations that you get anxious in?  I know there are some groups that actually focus on public speaking (i.e. Toastmasters, I believe).  

[mammo]

Public speaking is scary to most people, in fact it's one of the biggest fears many have. People who do public speaking as a career can still get very nervous, performers, rock stars all talk of being terrified before doing a show.  One thing to always remember is that many are envious that you are able to get up there and speak, and they are glad it's not them.  So, if you mess up a time or two they understand. If it's really affecting you, then you can ask your doctor for a low dose, short acting anxiety medication to take prior to speaking.  Make sure you try it a couple of days before so you know that it's not going to make you too tired.  For me, the more I did it, the easier it got.  Plus, learning how nervous others were gave me more confidence to get up there and speak to everyone.  Don't put the pressure on yourself to be "perfect" at this, because even the best still mess up.  Be the first to laugh at yourself if need be, it will relax everyone.  Pay close attention to your breathing before and during your speaking.  We tend to breathe more shallow when stressed, take several deep breaths slowly in thru your nose and slowly out of the mouth just prior to speaking.  I hope this helps, and wish you all the best.

[lilymoon]

Best thing to do is get help,therapy/meds. im afraid there are no easy anwers.Lily