Having a stress-induced attack :-(
#10790 - 06/05/03 04:49 AM
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geekgirl
Reged: 02/28/03
Posts: 36
Loc: UK
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Hi all,
I just need someone to talk to. I'm supposed to be giving a talk tomorrow. These things are always stressful as I don't like public speaking. I haven't had to do one for a long time so I didn't know whether it would affect me. And yeah I thought I could handle it.
But I've been feeling a bit dodgy all week and it's worse today. I keep a food diary so I know I haven't eaten anything suspect this week.
Yesterday I was feeling okay about it - happily getting on with the preparation. But right now I just want to phone up and tell them I'm not doing it. The thing is I believe I could get out of it if I really wanted to. But then I think I shouldn't have agreed to do it in the first place.
And on top of that I've things to do this weekend - I don't want the stress of this presentation to affect them too.
Any advice?
Thanks,
geekgirl
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Hi!
I think you can do it! And you do too! Otherwise you wouldn't have agreed to give the talk.
On the ohter hand, we all make mistakes and that's how we learn. Sometimes it's just too so hard to say no. Especially as women, we tend to take too much on!
Only you know in your heart if you can or can't do this. I remember being in line for a rollercoaster at Disney with some friends a couple of years ago. I promised myself ages ago that I would go on rollercoasters even thoguh I have a fear of heights (my mom would never go), because I wanted my future kids' mother to be active and to participate in such things. When we got to the front of the line, I skipped out at the last second. I just didn't feel right. (I'd been on this ride, Space Mountain, before). I waited for my friends to get off the ride. About an hour later, I went back on the line and decided to go for it. And I did!
The moral of the story: sometimes we have to take two steps back to take two steps forward. And, like I tell my kindergarteners, we learn through our mistakes.
WHATEVER you deicde, it will be the right decision! I wish you the clarity to make the right choice, and that you feel well while following through with the choice whatever you decide! Please let me know what happens!
*big hugs*
Ruchie
P.S. FEEL BETTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Formerly known as Ruchie
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I also tend to avoid situations that cause me anxiety. For me, going to the doctor was one of those situations. However, in the past year, I have had so many unavoidable Dr. appts, tests, scans, bloodwork, you name it. Guess what, I did it so much, I am no longer bothered by it! I think you might call it exposure therapy! I know it is hard, but if you avoid something you are bound to feel bad about it. You will continue to think "Oh, I can't do that" each time the situation comes up. If you make yourself do it and are successful, the next time it will be that much easier. It has been my experience that when I am nervous about a particular event, my stomach acts up the whole time before, just anticipating what is coming up. However, during the actual event, I am distracted and my stomach is fine! Just be kind to yourself, know your stomach might act up but it will be ok. You can do it!
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This is WONDERFUL advice!!!!!!!!!
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Formerly known as Ruchie
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Thanks for the replies. I've decided to keep working on the preparation today. That way I know that at least I have done all the work even if I don't manage to give the talk. Then I'll wait and see how I feel tomorrow.
In the past when I've avoided doing something like this I've ended up feeling bad about giving up. So I would feel so much better afterwards if I go ahead with it.
I'll let you know how I get on,
geekgirl
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HI - I used to make up all kinds of stories to get out of giving presentations. Now I don't mind giving them. I work in a college, and hour presentation an average time for me. Here's what I do:
Get to the room early
Stand at the podium - visualize it filled with people
Get used to the room layout
When it's really time, you wouldn't be as nervous because most people don't stand in front of a room filled with people on a regular basis.
I also arrive early, introduce myself to a couple of people in the audience so when the time comes, I feel more comfortable and can scan the room, make eye contact with them.
Also, eat something light that day, bring a bottle of water with you.
Good luck and let us know what youdecide to do.
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Hi again,
Firstly let me say thanks for listening - I did have quite a wobble yesterday, didn't I?!? I'm more used to feeling ill because of something I ate so it freaked me out a bit. Anyway I didn't feel too good again this morning but the talk was this afternoon so I had time to compose myself and settle my stomach.
And so it seemed to go okay. And then afterwards my supervisor asked to speak with me. He liked my presentation! If I wanted to impress anyone it was him. So I'm happy now. A bit worn out but happy.
geekgirl
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So much baking, so little time.....
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