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Suggest Treatment For Performance And Social Anxiety
Question: How can I learn to cope with the paralyzing fear when I have to do something physical in front of others - especially others that are going to grade or critique me. For example I am going to take a motorcycle safety class, where every mistake is analyzed and written down. Fear of failure and shame associated causes freezing and failure, despite the fact that I can do something very well outside of the eyes of others.
This issue has followed me my whole life, especially if I will be graded or assessed. Years of playing sports did not diminish it.
I should add that I am an abuse survivor - physical, sexual and emotional versions. I spent years in therapy and had 4 hospitalizations. I can give many answers as to why I am experiencing this, but I can't seem to do anything to make a difference.
This issue has followed me my whole life, especially if I will be graded or assessed. Years of playing sports did not diminish it.
I should add that I am an abuse survivor - physical, sexual and emotional versions. I spent years in therapy and had 4 hospitalizations. I can give many answers as to why I am experiencing this, but I can't seem to do anything to make a difference.
Brief Answer:
Performance and social anxiety
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for your query.
I have read your query and I feel that you have performance and social anxiety.
Firstly everyone feels some level of anxiety while performing in front of others. This is normal. Yours is just a bit too much. There are many ways to deal with this anxiety and I will give you a few suggestions that I feel will immensely benefit you.
If you keep remembering your past in any way, even at the counseling sessions, it may make your symptoms worse. Thus I will suggest that you forget the past and move on. No one can harm you any further as you have grown up.
Whenever you confront any situation, take a few deep breaths. Practice the content before hand so that it flows out easily during the situation. Avoid looking in the eyes of people. Rather look right in the space behind them. You may also think that there is no one observing you. Even if they fail you, they cannot bring any harm to you. Failure and success simply happen according to our preparation and do not depend much on performance. Appreciation does not happen easily and even excellent performers may not be appreciated.
Join a social group that is involved in service projects. These groups also give you social support.
I think that you are already in contact with doctor and counselor so I do not need to stress it.
Lastly try meditation and yoga. It has been shown in research to help tremendously with anxieties. It must be available as a course around your place.
Hope it helps.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Dr Vaishalee
Performance and social anxiety
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for your query.
I have read your query and I feel that you have performance and social anxiety.
Firstly everyone feels some level of anxiety while performing in front of others. This is normal. Yours is just a bit too much. There are many ways to deal with this anxiety and I will give you a few suggestions that I feel will immensely benefit you.
If you keep remembering your past in any way, even at the counseling sessions, it may make your symptoms worse. Thus I will suggest that you forget the past and move on. No one can harm you any further as you have grown up.
Whenever you confront any situation, take a few deep breaths. Practice the content before hand so that it flows out easily during the situation. Avoid looking in the eyes of people. Rather look right in the space behind them. You may also think that there is no one observing you. Even if they fail you, they cannot bring any harm to you. Failure and success simply happen according to our preparation and do not depend much on performance. Appreciation does not happen easily and even excellent performers may not be appreciated.
Join a social group that is involved in service projects. These groups also give you social support.
I think that you are already in contact with doctor and counselor so I do not need to stress it.
Lastly try meditation and yoga. It has been shown in research to help tremendously with anxieties. It must be available as a course around your place.
Hope it helps.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Dr Vaishalee
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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