Does it sound like I have an anxiety disorder?

Question

I never use to have a problem presenting things in front of a class and thinking on my feet to answer questions but during my junior and senior year I started having trouble speaking in front of my peers and answering questions where I was forced to think quickly. In my mind sure I'm a little nervous just like everyone is before talking in front of thier peers but I am not to worried. Physically before I do to deliver presentations my heart all of a sudden starts beating reall hard and fast and I sweat and stutter a lot and cannot clearly present myself. It's pretty bad. In my mind I am fine but then physically I am a mess and that causes to me f*ck up. I am really worried about this problem because I need to be rid this before college next year. Any advice?

Answer 1

That doesn't sound too unusual. You just need to keep at it.

A great organization that can help with public speaking is called Toastmasters check out www.toastmasters.org to find a chapter near you.

Answer 2

Social anxiety can cause these feelings, which can also lead to severe depression,
http://www.socialanxietyinstitute.org/ds...

if not you could be suffering from Generalized Anxiety
Disorder..http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/general_anx...

There is hope; I've been there, and still am there, it is a long, hard struggle. I recommend
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/cognitive_b... worked best for me, with mild anti-anxiety meds. I suffered from social anxiety for over 15 years. I've tried individual therapy, and group therapy and studied psychology for 10 years, as a profession, but also with the hope to cure myself.

Depending on your comfort level, you could go to a psychologist that practices CBT and specializes in anxiety disorders, seek a group therapy, or create one. Usually those that do attend the group therapy are a bit more high functioning because as you know, it can be difficult to speak in a group.

Another idea is to see if there are any local research studies being conducted that you could participate in.

The program that finally worked the best for me is this one: http://www.socialanxiety.us/findinghelp.... and I was lucky enough to have a structured behavioral group to go along with it. Sometimes the people that actually attend this program come back home and form groups.

I recommend a mild anti-anxiety med in addition to CBT therapy.

Any questions, let me know ... I can't tell you how much this has improved my life!

Answer 3

The number 1 phobia for people is public speaking, so you are not alone. The only way to conquer this, is to keep doing it. The more familiar you become with speaking in front of people, the quicker it will go away. It becomes second nature when you do it regularly because the fear leaves, as it does with everything that becomes habitual.