Don't Let Performance Anxiety
Rule Your Life
Since his boss did not know that Roger suffered from
performance anxiety, he couldn't understand why
Roger turned down the lucrative job promotion...
... that would allow him to travel extensively and facilitate training classes.
"For many people it would have seemed like a dream job," said Roger. "But for me it was impossible because I suffered from performance anxiety.
I had to turn down the promotion because the thought of facilitating a class literally struck terror in my heart. My salary would have almost doubled, but I just couldn't do it. I felt like I was letting my family down because we really needed the extra money. My coworkers thought I was either lazy or crazy."
Roger is among the millions of people who suffer from performance anxiety. Symptoms of performance anxiety include clammy hands, a feeling of intense fear in the pit of your stomach, cramps, sweating and nausea. Performance anxiety can escalate to fear and produce the fight or flight response in your body that can dump adrenaline into your system.
Many people with performance anxiety are unable or unwilling to put themselves in a situation where they may be called up to perform in the first place.
Dr. Jeannette Kavanagh, author of "Calming Words," has helped thousands of people overcome performance anxiety through her books, seminars and personal counseling sessions.
"Through my clients, I have learned a lot about anxiety in general and performance anxiety in particular. I have seen extremely competent people frozen by fear of giving a speech or presentation.
"Dr. Kavanagh uses a variety of techniques including breathing techniques, meditation and cognitive behavior therapy to help her clients."
If you or someone you love suffers from performance anxiety, seek the help of a competent mental health professional. The therapist can help you develop a treatment plan that will keep performance anxiety from ruling your life.