Social anxiety disorder and teaching

[Littlechef82]

I’m wondering if anyone with social anxiety has moved into a role with lots of public speaking (like teaching). If so, how did you manage and did it get easier?

[Hidden]

I taught nursing students 15 years ago. I struggled with every lecture. To be honest it never got easier, maybe worse even. Now I think I'm strong enough to do it but back then I just left an abusive marriage and was unsure of myself still. Are you having trouble with teaching now?

[Littlechef82 in reply to Hidden]

Yes, I’m new to it though and can’t figure out if I just need more practice or if it is something I will never be comfortable with given the anxiety issues. I’m teaching business students and dread being the center of attention.

[Hidden in reply to Littlechef82]

Keep working on it. You may love it soon.

[mvillarreal]

Hi, Littlechef82. I used to have pretty bad social anxiety, but it was when I realized that I wasn't the awful person I thought I was that it started to go away-though I do have bouts of it now and then. I am currently in seminary and am wanting to be ordained as a pastor. To be honest, I'm terrified because I worry that I might have a panic attack while preaching or something, but I have faith that, with practice, it will get easier. Also, do you take emergency meds, by chance? Those really help me avoid social anxiety attacks, though it's best to take it a couple hours before the situation in question.

[Littlechef82 in reply to mvillarreal]

Hi, I do have emergency meds, but try to avoid them if I can. I’m glad to hear you have had some success at beating social anxiety!

[Sunshine425]

Practice makes perfect! I struggled with this for years.... I dreaded any situation that meant Id be in a group of people where Id be around people I didnt know. I also was a pre k teacher so talking with parents and new faces was mandatory and an every day occurance. It gets easier in time. Try to focus on the goal of each conversation and brush up on effective communication. Jot notes about upcoming meetings that you feel nervous about so you know what you will be discussing. In my experience feeling prepared always decreases anxiety. It can be draining. But you have the strength in you! And youll soon start feeling more confidant! Hope I can give you some hope. Congrats on new position!

[Believeinyourself123 in reply to Sunshine425]

I agree! Talking with parents was a challenge but if I kept it light it became easier in time. Iast spring I was the lead toddler teacher and a group of them started biting each other. My lovley boss said it was my fault and one parent i dreaded talking to her. Her little one honestly needed a bubble around her at all times. Everyday something would happen. The one day when i was leaving she got excited to see the person relieving me and ran to the door. Tripped over nothing split her forehead open. I stayed extra time sorting all thar out. My boss said tjat was no ones fault but said she would be watching me all day on camera. She would nit pick everythijg I was doing. Part of the problem my assistants did not have much experience working with children so it was hard. Talk about anxiety I had. Needless to say I left that job a couple weeks later.

[Sunshine425 in reply to Believeinyourself123]

Couldnt relate MORE!! It was always easy to share when the little ones had a great day... but Id get so uncomfortable when id have to call or talk to parents in person about concerns or child getting hurt. No one likes to dissapoint other humans....especially us with anxiety disorders!

[Believeinyourself123 in reply to Sunshine425]

The one time i broke down with tears in my eyes when telling that mom about the situation. She then realized i truly was doing the best i could i just needed more staff to help with 12-16 2 year-olds. I said i turn my head for one second and it would happen. It was terrible and my boss was not supportive.

[Sunshine425 in reply to Believeinyourself123]

Yep I was like that too! I nanny now and a couple years ago I had baby in my back seat picking up preschooler from school. Someone rear ended me at a stop sign. Like lightly tapped. My car and baby were absolutely fine. But I had a panick attack about calling the parents. As if somehow it was my fault and thry would fire me over it. I cried so much on the phone with the father that an hour later the mom called to give me support.... she felt bad that I was so upset. People tend to be really understanding as long as were honest, and doing the best we can!

[Believeinyourself123 in reply to Sunshine425]

Oh my yes i had a baby roll off a couch before. No idea he could roll over yet. He was fine but yes the parents were understanding. Thank goodness. I was paniking but he was fine.

[Believeinyourself123]

Hello, I have social anxiety but around children and teaching its the only time I can be around children and feel calm. I feel like they love me and don't judge me.

I also can public speak with no problem with strangers but if i know the people or feel intimidated forget it. I would get very tense and as you said feel like the center of attention. At times in college I struggled with it. I wish i had tips for you but I don't. Plus, when I decided to go back i was 29 and I was with a majority of just out of high schoolers. I was a single parent at home, overweight, insecure, etc... but I was there to make a better life for me and my daughter. I did excell and lose 100 pounds and later I felt more confident because I knew my classmates better plus I looked better. I hope this helps you.