Constant fear of embarassment?

[happypeaches]

I suddenly start to feel embarassed instantly when I start thinking of work. It feels like I did something wrong, I think that they will judge me and I can't get rid of that feeling (I think a presentation I gave a few days ago also triggered it). And at the same time, I feel the pressure to make a good impression in front of my coworkers and to make them like me, which makes it even worse.

I know it's common with social anxiety but atm it's so so intense, I really don't know what to do. Anyone else gets this feeling of embarrassment? And if so, how do you deal with it?

[fauxartist]

Everyone fears being embarrassed, because nobody likes to not feel in control of their emotions. But believe me... if you can turn this around... and realize... everyone your around also fears the same thing.... and it's okay, it's normal. Learn to laugh at yourself sometimes and realize, ' yeah,... so what... sometimes funny things happen... it happens to everyone, and it's okay'.

[happypeaches in reply to fauxartist]

Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m trying hard. Only problem that my mind is tricking me into believing everyone else is absolutely self confident and never as nervous as I get when it comes to talking to people. But yeah, I guess I‘ll have to work on that a little.

[Daesin]

I read where author actor comedown and clown Red Skelton had terrible stage fright and anxiety as a child. So he figured that if people were going to laugh he was going to give them something to laugh at. He was a very successful comedian and clown. I wonder if you could utilize humor to break the ice and to shatter some of the anxiety?

[happypeaches in reply to Daesin]

It‘s funny because I feel like I‘m using humour as a coping mechanism in situations where I feel awkward and then get even more awkward when people don’t get the joke or misunderstand it which happens truly often. So no matter how I look at it, I’ll always be the person that does something wrong and embarrassing and it sucks.

[Daesin]

Yes, anxiety is rough because it inflates our fear. It makes everything so much bigger than it really needs to be. I still battle that dragon myself.

I could go two different ways on this.

1) My granddaddy used to ask is it gonna matter next week? next month? next year? Will anybody remember it in 10 years? No so go on. Get your work done. Old farmer mentality.

Though this one is easier for me…

2) Embrace the fact that you are the one who does goofy things. If you can’t fight it embrace it. When you make friends with that fact life goes smoother. I know that sounds crazy but hear me out….

So I’m the klutzy one in my family. Everyone who knows me expects me to test gravity once in a while. Plus I say the wrong things always at the wrong time I’m too loud I’m crass I’m offensive I fart I laugh at the wrong times. I don’t have the political correctness gene.

I have exasperated just about every teacher doctor adult supervisor or lover that I’ve had at one point or another. Typically on a regular basis. But they know that I’ve got a good heart and I will jump to help you at the drop of a hat. So goofy or klutzy it isn’t the first descriptor people use to describe me. Despite the huge presence it plays in my life. To those who aren’t my friends , well it’s not going to matter in 10 years.

Keep smiling keep laughing keep moving forward