Work related anxiety

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I had a work related exam recently and failed. It is an exam that supposedly recreates your work environment but you are also being watched by an examiner while you work. I failed due to anxiety. I can do my job pretty well but I also went through hell passing the qualifying exams and it took me several attempts. And now this exam, I have tried to pass it twice and have failed twice, making it seem just as impassable and terrifying as the qualifying exam. And if I can't pass it I will lose my qualification and lose my job which I absolutely love.

So I wonder if anyone has any advice about how to deal with anxiety. Faced with the prospect of being watched and judged, I can feel my brain seizing up, and faced with the prospect of making a decision about what to do next, my brain clings on to a certain rigid plan that I felt I had to stick to even though everyone told me before hand that I need to be flexible and change plans if that's what I need to do to succeed. When I think back to my performance it is like looking at an extremely stupid and dull version of myself. Unable to make sensible decisions.

I don't really want to discuss my work in detail, it is a practical job involving making split second decisions. Can anyone advise me on how to overcome anxiety. I have tried Rescue Remedy in the past, it's okay but I didn't use it the other day. I am now on 8 Kalms a day just experimenting as I have an exam, non work related, this Thursday. Should I go to the Doctor and find something stronger? I'm panicking just thinking about the next exam attempt, and I can imagine self sabotaging again.

Poor you.
No experience but I will do my best to part answer.
tbh, i think anyone would find this tricky.

Have you asked others who work with you how they cope?
Could you pretend that the examiner is your best friend? Or someone who you wouldnt mind being there such as your child if you have one. Or you husband, or whoever?
And go to the GP and see if they can help?

If you do not get many answers on here I would try reposting in chat, to see if anyone else has any ideas.
And work and employment section as well!

Thanks Yams. Good advice. Seeing a colleague tomorrow who passed her exam. I will ask her. I was wondering if its possible to ask the examiner just to shut up. All of his small talk to put me at ease had the exact opposite effect on me. I wonder if I am allowed to do that?

I can't see why not. Surely you are entitled to take the exam without small talk if it is putting you off!

Quick circle of excellence from NLP. Standing up, look at an imaginary circle on the floor a few feet in front of you. Now imagine a resourceful 'you' standing there, in a good state to take exam. Really see her, notice how she is standing, her expression etc.

Then walk across and become her. You should feel a difference for the better :)

Thank you the Silvery Pussycat. Is NLP something that could help me? I saw it mentioned in some self help books the other day in the shop.

I think it's a pretty good thing, if you want to dip a toe in try books by Michael Neill - I have a couple of his and think they are good. There is only a certain amount of NLP you can do on your own from books, but I have found it can be v effective, why not have a go :) and see how you get on.

Oh TheSilvery it's really funny (not funny haha) that you've mentioned NLP.

I've just bought a kindle book called The subconscious mind.

OP, I bought it, to try as I've heard great things about NLP and it was on offer. It was less than a pound (saving about 5 pounds) which I thought was definitely worth buying to try at that price.

The reviews were decent too.

Just thought I'd share

Good luck OP!