Zoom meeting anxiety

[Celtcry78]

Anyone else get severe anxiety before Zoom meetings? I'm trying to enjoy my college experience. I just joined a club I've been wanting to be apart of and was offered a student representative role today but my anxiety flares up so bad before meetings that I can't enjoy them. I just want to be apart of this without all the excessive worrying.

[Catsamaze ADAA Volunteer]

I hate Zoom as well mostly because I don’t look good on it. Could that be part of your anxiety? If so you are not alone. Remember that everyone on there is self conscious of how Zoom makes them look. It’s never made anyone look good! There are also different settings you can try that are less intimidating. You can also simply turn your camera off and just listen. Most important is that it’s ok and understandable to feel whatever you’re feeling about it.

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Hi Celtcry78,

I agree with Cats about how zoom doesn't make you look good but I can get over that. My anxiety is when you try to log in and it doesn't work . In fact had an episode like that today. Also having to log into my work emails also sends my anxiety up. I'm not technically minded. Anxiety happens when we are out of our routine and comfort zones because we're not in control. By control I mean we don't know what's happening, we're bewildered and start to worry. Before your zoom meetings try slow breathing exercises. You can find them on YouTube and I bet there are YouTube vids on how to look good on zoom.😎 you're not alone.

[Celtcry78]

Thank you both for your replies! I do tend to worry how I appear to everyone in the meeting and tech issues on my end always heighten my anxiety levels. I'm going to try breathing exercises before my next zoom.

[robbylynnofnm]

I got a great tip from my grandson about zoom meetings. He said to put the laptop up onto some books and tilt the screen slightly toward you so it's almost looking downward toward you. You can also adjust your room lighting to make your skin look better. I tried it and it works. I have a double chin and looked like a hag when I first saw myself on screen. Lol. Hope this helps. Oh and he said to not wear white but some bright color and to check your background. You don't want to do an entire zoom with dirty laundry pile behind you. Lol.

robbylynnofnm