Anxiety leads to uncontrollable shaking

[mrjones70]

I am now in a position where I cannot face a crowd being the centre of attention. I can't talk in front of strangers in public without visibly shaking and my voice breaking. This manifested itself in the worst possible way recently at a school sports day in a dad's race. The expectation of my children, family and friends to 'win' the race led to an almost uncontrollable anxiety attack with my body and particularly legs shaking. It affected me so badly that within five seconds of running, I stumbled and fell because my legs practically gave way beneath me. I told everybody that I slipped, which was partly true, but the fact was my muscles gave way through sheer stress. The more at stake the more anxious I become. What worries me most is that my anxiety will prevent me from protecting my family at some point in the future when they need me most.

[Hidden]

Hi,

That is a really common worry, not just for anxiety sufferers. I've had it too and still do in some way.

Like you say, it was the expectation and pressure for you to win the race that allowed you to loose it.

In these situations, we allow the shakes to happen, as it is caused by the adrenaline, and that is precisely what you need to fight or flight, run in your case. It sounds like you allowed the thoughts to overpower you, as you so wanted to win for your family.

Next time, say to yourself, I'll just do my best, its good enough. no need to get so stressed with this really. Its all about competiveness, and maybe that was something you do too, being competitive. I'd go do the race again, and on purpose make sure I was last, and see how I felt, I bet I would feel better than being second.

The real protection of your family is a universal worry, I've been doing martial arts for 35 yrs, and still worry I wont be able to protect them. And its a real worry too, it can happen, but is very very unlikely.

Just being mindfull of where you go and at what time, will minimise this.

I find, by working on my meditation, it has allowed me to become a calmer person, a compassionate person, and now I just dont get into situations like I used to.

I still have a hair trigger temper, but even that can be taimed I just dont react to it as much.

When I get the shaking, what I do is shake my legs and arms, actually use up some of the adrenaline, I also run on the spot, getting my knees up as far as possible, it helps.

Wishing you well

B

xxxx

[Hidden]

Hi MrJones

I don't know if you are in a position to be able to do yoga. I attend a yoga class at my local VirginActive Gym, where I can also do swimming, gym machines, weights, Jacuzzi, spa, sauna, steam room and lots of other classes for a monthly subscription of £37 per month

(off peak) Good value I think. There are several men in my yoga class and one of the relaxation exercises we do involves swinging and shaking our arms and legs. It really gets rid of any stress which has built up. We also do breathing and relaxation exercises. I always feel much calmer afterwards. I am a carer for my son who has schizophrenia and he leads a very chaotic lifestyle - hence I worry and have anxiety about him.

[agora]

Dear Mr Jones, I know exactly how you feel. Up until a few weeks ago I attended a group meeting for therapy. It was a great help and I really looked forward to seeing the people there...THEN .....I was late, frantic search for a parking place, eventually got there and sat down, talked to someone on the chair next to me then looked around and realised that everyone was looking at me because the meeting had begun......uuuuuuhhhhh, then I realised I'd I'd left my bottle of water in the car (one of my comfort blankets), instantly I felt judged, started to shiver and shake, felt my neck was going to convulse if I turned to look at anyone. That was over four weeks ago and I am in fear of going there again even though I want to so badly.

[mrjones70]

Hello everyone.

Thank you for taking the time to talk to share your advice/experiences. I have talked to my wife, who didn't realise this was affecting me so badly, and like you has shared some useful advice. My next stop is to see a doctor and hopefully they'll be able to give me some advice on local clubs/experts where I can seek some help.

Cheers.