Help I'm freaking out. Wtf is wrong with me.

[Ivebeentohellanditscalledikea]

This is going to sound so pathetic but I have an interview tomorrow for a job I'm not sure I even want and I'm freaking out as it involves reading in front of people.

I have always just frozen when I have to stand in front of people and just physically can't speak. It's so stupid and I wish I could do it but it's like there's a physical block stopping me from speaking. It's so stupid. I'm crying because I'm so scared about it. Wtf is wrong with me

Does anyone else have this?

That sounds challenging - I know when children are scared of reading the school gets them to read to a teddy or a school therapy pet.

Could you try to imagine that?

I have come a long way since I was younger as I wouldn't speak to anyone when I was younger and would just look at the floor. I just don't feel ready for this.

The more yoh tell yourself that you can't do it, the worse you'll feel. It's hard but you must really try v hard to be positive, tell yourself you can do this. Are you reading something you are familiar with? Can you practice reading it?

Lots of people do. I've been through it myself, and still sometimes struggle but have improved over time. But it takes some work. Longer term, CBT helped me.

I know it's tough, but practice, practice, practice by yourself tonight. The more you do it the easier it will be to get it out. Another thing to do when you freeze is to smile at the audience - again it looks more confident, and you may even make yourself feel a it less awful that way.

Make sure you have a glass of water handy, then if you get overwhelmed and come to a halt you can take a drink to give yourself a break, and it will look less desperate.

You can get through it.

Another mantra that works for me when I am scared - whether you believe you can’t or believe you can, both WILL come true. So believe you can.

There is no shame admitting that you are nervous.