BlindRage Posted March 31, 2011 Posted March 31, 2011 (edited) Hi everyone, I have a problem that I absolutely dread. I have I don't even know what to call it, I guess it can be categorized as 'nervous or panic' attacks? I'll give an example now: today I was late for class and in the parking lot a student was blocking the parking aisles, as a result, a line of cars were all at a halt. I couldn't have this as I was already late for class so I honked at this person. By honking once I didn't receive any acknowledgment on their part so I processed to honking at least 4 times after, which made them move. Once I got in the parking and had to pay the parking meter, I was shaking. I couldn't place the quarters first try when paying the meter. It was embarrassing . Thinking about it now I'm shaking. Other examples are when I get in an argument with someone or attempt to make points I start to shake. In class, as I drank my coffee and thought about the event that occurred earlier, I noticed every time I would bring the coffee up to my mouth my hand would tremble. Now, the issue is going to be during my class presentation. As a result of this project and my unwillingness to do research on it, I volunteered to be the speaker. I guess my project team mates believe I will be a good public speaker because if you met me you would think I'm an extremely confident person. I carry myself in that way (I actually do it because I want to perceive this image of myself). I don't know what to do now Is there some prescription medication that I can take to not show these symptoms? The problem is not in the delivery of the speech (I can talk well publicly) its more of the side effects that occur to me i.e:shaking, trembling. Help... Edited March 31, 2011 by BlindRage
Thedude22 Posted March 31, 2011 Posted March 31, 2011 You could probably get a few doses of Xanax from your doctor and try to see if that helps. I would not use them long term though as you don't want to make it a habit to run to the pills every time you have a problem. It could help in the short term though. It's not necessarily a nervous problem as much as it is adrenaline. Every time I get in a heated argument with someone I shake a bit and feel a bit odd. It's just your adrenaline glands overreacting to the situation.
Cee Posted March 31, 2011 Posted March 31, 2011 I have the same exact problem. You could try to get medication from a doctor, but he/she is likely not to give it to you. The beta blocker propanolol is used for nervous shakes and Xanax/Ativan for anxiety. I don't use meds, but I have some tricks: 1) Sit when giving a presentation b/c you are buttressed by a chair or table. Claim you have a back problem or something and sit. 2) Keep your hands in your pockets while talking. 3) Hold something heavy in your hands like a book. Pretend it's for the presentation. It will dull the shaking. Hope these tips help. I hate how I shake and what's worse, people always ask, "Why are you shaking?" It's annoying and makes me more nervous. Good luck.
Duckduckgoose Posted March 31, 2011 Posted March 31, 2011 When I had to take a public speaking class, and also had to give presentations in college I would get pretty nervous and shaky too. Not anxiety or panic-attack-y but I would definitely be skeered. What helped me some, and still helps some if I am really nervous is keeping my arms above my head for a minute while taking deeps breaths, and a lot of stretching my muscles. I also stretch when I am bored or sleepy to try and get blood flowing to my brains again Dunno if those will help you at all, but they help me some.
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