Public Meltdown

[SchuylerW]

I'm a sophomore in college and I just started crying in front of my positive psychology class as I was trying to get through a presentation. It's like my anxiety just took control of my body and I couldn't control anything I was thinking, feeling, or doing. I'm surprisingly not too embarrassed about this mini-breakdown because everyone was very understanding, but I'm just annoyed and frustrated. I know I have the knowledge to do presentations like this, but I just feel like my anxiety keeps taking over my whole life. Basically, I'm just looking for some support here. I'd love if some of you could share any similar experiences you've had and maybe some coping strategies.

[LLyouvegotmail]

Hi Sch

I can relate to everything youve written so please take some comfort in knowing youre not alone.

I found that when i melted down, it was unexpected, which caused even more anxoety. I thought i was in control and had things handled (i didnt).

I dont know if this helps you or not but one thing ive found, for every meltdown or panic attack or bout of depression, is that it will pass.

Thats one thing i can promise you, it will.pass.

I hope this helps.

(this was my first visit to the site and this was.ny first reply)

Its good to know that I'M.NOT ALONE!

thank Sch

[Agora1 in reply to LLyouvegotmail]

Welcome to the forum LL. It's true you are never alone. Looking forward in how we can help support you. A wonderful group of people ready to listen because they care. xx

[LLyouvegotmail in reply to Agora1]

Thanks Agora, that's really nice to know. Nice to meet you

[Agora1 in reply to LLyouvegotmail]

xx

[LLyouvegotmail in reply to Agora1]

PS i might jave to run but im sure ill be back

[Agora1 in reply to LLyouvegotmail]

When you are ready, we will be here xx

[old-soul]

For what it's worth, I tested out with an extremely high IQ at the age of 7. I had a subscription to Science Digest and an interest in and rudimentary understanding quantum physics/mathematics and dynamics, black holes, space time as well as better known theories such as Einstein's theory of relativity and understanding of photons as a pre-teen. I was also hated by my peer group, and even my public school faculties and administrators.

That's just a bit to let you know, I have some smarts, just so you know who it is telling you that, if psychology is your actual major, ( You said it happened to be a psychology course you got emotional in) I would rather trust you as a professional providing me care as someone that can remain emotionless and sterile, which seems to be considered " more socially acceptable."

I prefer people who have a heart to those that don't. I think that it is healthy to allow emotions to come out, LL, ESPECIALLY around others. I hope you can be more gentle with yourself about it. It takes a bigger person to show emotions than it takes to hide them. I think you should be proud, not ashamed.

[SchuylerW in reply to old-soul]

I understand what you're saying, but the frustrating part was just that I felt like I had no control. I'm okay with showing my emotions when I choose to, but today I just wasn't able to control myself even in a situation in which becoming emotional was very inappropriate.

[Sweeshings in reply to SchuylerW]

I can completely relate to what you are saying. Over the last year I’ve experienced a few episodes of my emotions being uncontrollable, crying at inappropriate settings like work. It’s like an unstoppable wave washed over me and no matter how hard I try to contain it, it over flows. I’m sorry you had to go through this.

[WCCAN]

Anxiety is a large part of my life also, perhaps you should talk to your teacher. Figuring out a safe space to go to when you feel overwhelmed can be really helpful, figuring out a code word might be good too so your classmates don't know. For me and my teachers if I ask to go and get some water, somethings wrong and that way my classmates don't know.

Finding a grounding technique might help too. It could be anything from counting how many pens you can see to tapping, its a little bizarre but I count up in threes. Finding the right way takes a bit of trial and error but you should maybe try looking into it and find whats right for you. Good luck!

[SchuylerW]

Links between exercise and self-esteem

[SchuylerW]

I have been diagnosed with both Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Persistent Depressive Disorder. I think that the stressful situation triggered feelings of being overwhelmed. I know that my anxiety and depression have made it difficult for me to control my emotions in the past.

[Want2BHappy3]

Ive been there, Its happened a few times, now I know when it's coming, I was at Walmart yesterday, felt like I was losing control, so I went home after an hour out. I felt like I wanted to faint.

Are you taking any medication? Seek professional help? Anxiety is the hardest thing I've ever had to deal with. Everyone has different symptoms.

[SchuylerW]

I am currently taking Prozac for my anxiety and depression and I've been working with my psychiatrist to get to the right dose. I think this episode was just the result of a bunch of different internal and external factors. I've been going through a period of intense self-hatred lately, so I think just all the pressure and feelings of inadequacy have been building up.