I don't know if I'm as scared as you are, but I just close my eyes, take ten deep breaths, and imagine myself succeeding in whatever the situation is. It helps if you do it for longer periods of time before the event in question, but its a good meditative technique to help you out. If the mind can see it, it can materialize it.

one day at a time >.< i'm not sure if other people can see it, but whenever i'm doing a presentation i'm sweating and shaking like crazy. the best thing i can do is tell myself it's not fear, but excitement. it's enough to get me out of my desk at least

I'm trying to remember my school days. it wasnt as bad as it may seem. i was always book smart so being able to demonstrate that in class wasn't a big problem for me. it was in social situations (lunch in cafeteria, pep rallies, etc. where i had issues). Still i wonder how i got through it all.

how i got through school? wow i don't even wanna remember that lol i did take medication at that time but it didn't help me much. Other than that it was pretty much a nightmare but somehow i got through it and i'm just grateful that i'm out of school now lol

When I graduated with my Bachelor's Degree I was relieved because that whole ordeal was over with. Then I had to worry about a profession, that's not going the way I wanted. Now school again. Another 2 years. I got the school packet in the mail and I'm freaking out b/c I've read some of the course descriptions. Some classes are saying, "Weekly seminar meetings," "oral presentations," etc. That's enough to get me to throw the entire packet in the trash. I really want to do this, but it just doesn't seem possible, I don't know how I'd get through all of that. The curriculum is much different than my Bachelor's. I'd be certified by NY State, so there are tests and theses and all that junk.

have you tried any of the meds that are approved to treat social anxiety disorder? paxil helped me a lot i tried lexapro too but it didn't do much.

I started out with Paxil and then went to Lexapro. Both helped me a lot. I stopped taking all medications last year because I felt they did all that they could do to help me, and that the rest of the healing was up to me. I don't know how much medicine would help me now because I recall how I felt in college when I was taking Lexapro, and it really didn't help all that much, it kept me calm a lot, but my anxiety felt "full force" a lot of the time too.

Didnt was crippled physically by bullies at 13 for 4 years Hey Ho

k-12 a very out going brother so I just blended with him- Thank God he let me. College- I just loved it sso much I was shy the least bit out of class

I remember loving college too, but I am really shy and felt very uncomfortable in quiet classrooms where there would be a possibility of being called on or having to present something. It's crazy how I'm going through the application process and will or might begin school again. Freaks me out.

I did the exact same thing when I was a senior in high school. I went home for lunch and drank vodka before my presentation for class. It didn't work out so good. My face ended up turning beat red and hot from the vodka and everyone stared.. For college I took a course where you work on your own with a computer and books that give you step by step instructions..people were there for help if you needed it..but no presentations and speaking out loud required. I took the easy way out I guess.

I have to take a few classes and I do have the option of taking online classes, I've never done it before. It sure would be a relief if I didn't have to present, but part of me wants to be in the classroom, I might learn more, but it's scarier.

I used to hate speaking out loud in School and College, I have a bit of a stutter so that didn't help!I've always liked not to be noticed and of course you can't do that when your standing in frount of a crowd of people!

My shyness is interesting being that I majored in music theatre performance. I don't get shy when performing, which is why I think I love it! I'd get performance nerves when I'd perform, but I channelled that into my performances. I find it is only when dealing in a "real" life situation that I get really shy or anxious. So I guess you would say it wasn't an issue when I had to be on and speak publicly.

I find that if i have to engage in some public speaking, i am honest and up front with my shyness. I start out by telling people that i am not too good at public speaking and that my voice might shake, i might turn red and that it is a really hard thing for me to do... and usually the people are very supportive and understanding even if i mess up!! This tends to ease the pressure a little for me, and then i just try to do my best. Stay positive... i am starting to really embrace my shyness and i am even starting to like it because it is who i am and i am ok! And so are you!!