Social anxiety and fear rules my life

[Denimdungarees]

I have just started a new job and feel my old fears returning again.

I haven't posted on this forum for 7 years because of panic attacks and social anxiety. Those posts from 7 years ago were sad to read and I have come so far and overcome so much. At that time I was petrified of talking to a shop worker or even my family. Since then, I have held down jobs and went to university where I achieved a first-class degree and I even did presentations in class. I am not at all shy and people describe me as loud, outgoing and confident (of course this is from faking it because of my anxiety), but it has helped me achieve so much.

I graduated this year and even managed to get a graduate role in a big company where I would need to do tech work and talk/present to clients. At the time I thought I could do it because I was doing so well, but now that I have started I am getting panic attacks again. I get scared when introducing myself or talking when other people are listening to me. I even have panic attacks when I watch people present or watch TV as I can only focus on the actors talking and can't relax. I am in fear of the job even on my days off and am just waiting in fear for the day they make me present or speak in a meeting etc. I find everyone intimidating, scary and confident.

I want to do this job so bad and I am so proud of myself for getting it, I just worry that this feeling will not go away or my panic attacks will get the best of me. I just can't understand why I feel fine talking in some cases and not others. I have reached out to a therapist, so hopefully will get the help I need right now. Does anyone have any advice or are in a similar situation?

[Agora1]

First of all Welcome back Denimdungarees. I'm proud of you for all you accomplished

during those 7 years. Faking it has it's benefits that eventually our brain starts to get

convinced that we are who we think we are lol

As I got out of my anxiety and agoraphobia, I found the real me coming out. One that

was suppressed most of my childhood years. I became able to make presentations as

well as teach CPR classes. The more I moved forward with my goal, the better I became.

If you really want this job, you will bring out the power within you. Right now, anxiety

is trying to take over because your subconscious mind is making you doubt your success.

Tell it to move over, you're in charge/control of your life and your dreams now.

What can help is working on your breathing and doing meditation when you are at home.

This method will better prepare you when at work or in social gatherings.

Life is Good my friend.. You've got this. I believe in that xx