Weekly Prompt #7: How do you handle situations where you feel like you're being put on the spot or forced to speak up?
Hello everyone, I hope you are all being easy on yourself this week.
Last week we discussed: How does social media affect social anxiety? Thank you to all who participated and shared their thoughts for discussion. I enjoyed them. I hope you all did too. If you didn't share yours, please share them here and I look forward to reading and discussing them with you.
This week's prompt: How do you handle situations where you feel like you're being put on the spot or forced to speak up?
When you feel like you're being put on the spot or forced to speak up, it can be challenging to keep your composure. However, it's essential to remember that you have a voice and a right to express your thoughts and feelings. So I am looking forward to discussing and learning with you all. Remember, everyone's experience with anxiety is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution. By sharing our stories and strategies with one another, we can create a supportive community of understanding and resilience. Let's continue the conversation and support one another on the journey toward greater wellness.
@ASilentObserver
In a situation with people I know, I shut down and get quiet, and that usually results in some kind of argument. If it's in a work situation, I push through it with sweaty palms and an anxious stomach.
@thoughtfulmomma I'm sorry to hear you struggle with shutting down in social situations. That must feel uncomfortable and isolating at times. How does shutting down usually make you feel in the moment?
@ASilentObserver
It makes me feel exhausted. And I just want to go home and be done with the whole situation.
I get super bad anxiety then I start to worry about things and make up senorios in my head of what ifs..
@ASilentObserver
I'm not fond of public speaking. It's humiliating when my voice suddenly shakes and gets hoarse. A tip from a listener a long time ago that I still use although I haven't been able to master it yet:
Take a few mins to set your mind. Think of a strong fearless tiger. Imagine you are the tiger. Your audience are your helpless potential preys who stare at you with a mixed of awe and calculation.
Now move like a tiger, see people the way a tiger would glance sharply at humans (they don't stare nor glare to weak human). Speak calmly and confidently. Make it short, stop whenever you want, you are THE gigantic poweful tiger in the room full of weak creatures anyway. Good luck!
@rainApple It sounds like public speaking can cause a lot of anxiety. Feeling nervous and having your voice shake in those situations is understandable. Focusing on your breathing and speaking calmly, at a pace that feels comfortable for you, could help you feel more confident. You're doing the best you can in those challenging moments. Thank you for sharing such a nice visualization technique. Definitely it is a work in progress.
I get anxious because I don't want too but I have to speak up so I can seem normal in situations like that I tend to fake it so I don't make people around me uncomfortable!
Hello I just join like yesterday and as for the question for me I guess I would maybe get too nervous to the point I might cry on the sport so yea...
When I was in high school and getting getting asked questions and being expected to answer on the spot, I always took a deep breath before I replied even if I was not confident!
@ASilentObserver
i usually freeze up when im put on the spot. im trying to be more easy on myself lately and allow my creative thinking to take over in these moments
@cccocoapuffs Freezing up at the moment can be tough. You're showing self-awareness and a desire for growth, which is very admirable. What helps you allow your creative thinking to take over in these situations?
@cccocoapuffs
Hello cccocoapuffs, I really love your name. I used to eat Cocoa Puffs a lot. I can relate to you in that I usually freeze up when I am put in the spotlight. I am not used to being the center of attention. Now I am learning that my opinions and feelings are just as important as other people's. I was used to letting other people take advantage and walk over me because I was not used to speaking up for myself. I am much better than I used to be, so don't give up on yourself. Don't let other people's opinions of you dictate how you feel about yourself. It's more important what you think of yourself than what other people think of you.
@ASilentObserver , ohh that's an unpleasant situation. Luckily such circumstances don't occur much 😃
However when it does , I usually try to maintain a neutral expression and add my thoughts to the only discussion. If Don have an opinion yet , I will let the audience know . Also if it is something any of my peers could helpe out with , I reach out.
@Emerbliss being put on the spot can be uncomfortable and cause anxiety. Focusing on your breathing and speaking at a comfortable pace shows that you're coping the best way you know how. It makes sense these situations would make you want to reach out to peers for help when needed. These are wise strategies.
@ASilentObserver I go silent for awhile, usually for so long that I space out and get lost in thought and then panic which results in me answering with "I don't know" to try and avoid the question(s)
@MoonCry64 Freezing up at the moment and then feeling panic after can be hard to manage. Getting lost in thought shows this situation brings up a lot for you. Feeling anxious and responding "I don't know" makes sense as a way to cope in the moment. Dealing with the emotions this situation stirs up isn't easy. You're doing the best you can to handle it. Please know we are all here with you to listen to and support.
I tend to have an attack from my own monsters in my head and most of the time shut down. I can never seem to get away from them and they are always telling me terrible things so when I am forced to speak they tell me things that make me have panic attacks or get aggressive.
