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Anything I can do to prevent physical symptoms of anxiety - shaking etc? need to be quite together for imminent work commitment

16 replies

jadedjourno · 29/01/2014 10:53

I've become increasingly anxious about doing anything that involves being the centre of attention - never much enjoyed it but have got much worse in recent years. Even to the point of getting v nervous about presenting in small meetings or approaching someone who I need to impress in some way in a work-related context (actually, even in a social context sometimes). All this is exacerbated by the fact that I do less and less of this stuff now (freelance so work from home mostly and don't have to do the client-facing/presentation type stuff v often).

Anyway, I've got an important interview coming up. I have to interview a celebrity and my boss will be sitting in on the interview - it's also the main feature for this issue of the magazine so it needs to go well. As it happens I'm considering a career change at the moment (have posted in the careers section) but that won't happen soon enough for this. In normal, unpressurised circumstances I'm quite capable of doing a perfectly good interview but I'm really, really anxious about this one. I'm totally convinced I'm going to balls it up by being all shaky and weird (and tongue-tied) – I've tried breathing exercises etc but in the event I know I'll end up being very obviously nervous. What the hell do I do? Wondered about asking the doctor for beta blockers - would that help? Would he/she even prescribe them for something like this?

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poorincashrichinlove · 29/01/2014 11:09

I think this is about preparation. I experience similar social anxities and find that a regular mindfulness meditation practice, topped up before an axiety inducing meeting helps lots. I also practice EFT (emotional freedom technique), in which you tap on specific points on the hand, head and chest whilst stating the problem (aloud or to yourself) literally releases the anxiety from the body. It sound bonkers but it works quickly & effectively.

I had an interview yesterday and started the morning with a body scan (a meditation practice to help you to notice and release tension from the body ). When I got to my interview I popped to the loo first and did the EFT for a couple of minutes.
I felt calm and in control, more able to relax and be myself.

You can learn the basics of mindfulness and EFT from youtube. If you would like more specific coaching, inbox me for further info.

jadedjourno · 29/01/2014 11:11

Thanks poorincash - thing is, how long did it take you to build up to this? I'm worried that I won't know if it's possible to make it work until I'm actually there, about to do the interview and in pieces!

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jadedjourno · 29/01/2014 11:13

Sorry, hope that didn't come across as ungrateful! I do appreciate the suggestion and it sounds like a v good technique. It's just that the physical symptoms can be so overwhelming, I can't imagine being able to overcome them myself

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MrsCanute · 29/01/2014 11:19

If the anxiety is getting in the way of your everyday life, it's really worth talking to the GP about it. I'd get down there quick. Be honest. Don't put a brave face on it. It doesn't have to be like this.

poorincashrichinlove · 29/01/2014 11:28

Jade - eft works quickly. check out youtube now and try it. Mindfulness takes longer to cultivate but its a great tool for life. Agree with mrscanute - you GP may be able to help so don't delay...

jadedjourno · 29/01/2014 11:30

Thanks Mrs - appreciate you posting. Thing is, I don't want to go on ADs have been there in the past (all through my early 20s) and it took me a long time to come off them. Haven't been on them for 9 years. I just feel like I need some one-off help to get me through this event. But I'm sensing that the doctor won't see it that way!

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jadedjourno · 29/01/2014 11:31

thanks poorincash just took a look on youtube, it does look helpful. I might PM you in a bit to find out a bit more.

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drbartlet · 29/01/2014 11:35

ask your gp for beta-blockers (propranolol is the common one i think)
they will stop the shaking, dry mouth, sweating. many people take them for things like big presentations, interviews etc.

drbartlet · 29/01/2014 11:37

they also stop your heart pounding.

TunipTheUnconquerable · 29/01/2014 11:37

Doctors do prescribe beta blockers for this kind of thing.
Best of luck OP x

I have essential tremor which gets worse when I'm anxious, and I do seem to get the physical symptoms of anxiety very strongly (not being able to breathe etc), and my solution is to focus on projecting not-being-anxious, ie I address the problem from the outside in and see it as acting - trying to give the impression of someone calm and confident, by focusing on body language, talking slowly and calmly, etc. If I concentrate hard enough on that it calms me down.

Beforehand, I try to remember the situations where I have succeeded despite being anxious inside (driving test, being interviewed on the radio) to give me confidence I can do it.

jadedjourno · 29/01/2014 11:38

Thanks, Dr - it's a relief to know that other people find this kind of thing difficult to manage as well. It's so frustrating to have so little control over your own body

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drbartlet · 29/01/2014 11:39

sorry - just skimmed your op and missed the last sentence. oops.
yes doctors prescribe them for this sort of situation all the time.

jadedjourno · 29/01/2014 11:40

Thanks Tunip - really appreciate everyone's feedback. V glad I posted Smile

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drbartlet · 29/01/2014 11:42

lots of people find this sort of think difficult. most people don't talk about it much though but if you asked around, and people were honest, you'd be surprised how many have taken beta-blockers for a big occasion (even getting married for instance).

TunipTheUnconquerable · 29/01/2014 11:57

When my brother was doing his journalism qualification 20 years ago it was very common to be prescribed beta blockers for the shorthand exam.

poorincashrichinlove · 29/01/2014 12:02

Jade - I agree beta blockers will help. They will manage the symptoms but do nothing to address the causes. They're a great temporary band aid and perhaps just what you need for now. If you want to manage anxiety in yhe longer term the strategies I've mentioned, among many others, are worth a look at. Wish you luck for the interview x

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