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.
honestly? What has really helped me is to just go in there with full confidence under the assumption that I’m gonna make a fool out of myself no matter what I do. If you expect the worst it can only be better than that, right? Plus, if it’s like… a public speaking situation for example, I’ve learned that if I ignore the pit in my stomach and just speak like I know what I’m talking about, people listen. It’s crazy. Lying about how much I know has gotten me so much further than any technical knowledge.
tldr; the eff if we ball mentality has saved me many a time
@ASilentObserver I would not give them advice on how to handle it as this is against 7 Cups guidelines but I would reassure them and tell them it is ok to feel nervous and scared as everyone feels this way and it is normal. Then, I would tell them that they are their own person in this situation and to not feel pressured to do anything they do not want to do.
@insightfulNatural4125 It makes sense being put on the spot causes feelings of being overwhelmed. Taking a moment to gather your thoughts first is a good approach. Focusing on the facts can help you feel more grounded to face the situation. Dealing with these challenges while managing tough emotions is hard, but every step counts.
@ASilentObserver
When I'm put on the spot or forced to speak up, I try to take a deep breath and remind myself that it's okay to take a moment to collect my thoughts. I also try to focus on the facts of the situation and avoid getting too emotional. If I'm still feeling overwhelmed, I might ask for a few minutes to gather my thoughts before responding.
For me, it all depends on what mood I am in and the setting.
For years I perfected wearing a mask and I was able to be someone else while wearing that mask. I was confident, assertive, powerful. Now that my mask is no longer, I am weak, timid, scared.
When I get put on the spot these days I panic. If it's my partner asking me something that I know I can get into trouble with and then abandoned, I am dishonest. Dishonest over the dumbest things... *SIGH* This isn't an all the time situation however. Often I am honest but sometimes my fear and other low riding trauma gets the best of me.
@shyPond5316 It sounds like wearing a mask for so long has shaped your sense of identity and self-confidence in a significant way. How does it feel to be without that mask now? You've had a mix of honest and dishonest moments, depending on the circumstances. I hear the fear and trauma that influences your choices at times.
@ASilentObserver it feels scary to be without that mask now. I am even more fearful of abandonment and rejection now than I ever was before... especially now that my partner has vocalized that the relationship is no longer serving and wants a separation..
I usually shutdown and start sweating and quietly excuse myself leave the situation and take some time to process and come back to it later once I've had time to think things over and respond ❤
@LovelyFrog8934 That sounds overwhelming. I'm glad you were able to find a way to step back and process things in your own time. How has that approach worked for you in handling difficult situations?
Can be tricky sometimes for the most part it works pretty well
At times you just got to walk away for a short while take a breath or 2 and just come back to it later
Panic and anxiety automatically mostly. Feeling very stupid and overwhelmed. Going through some rough times right now. So it will get better as I calm down
My mind usually freezes for a bit and I begin to panic as I think of the right way to answer given the situation. My head starts to feel hot and my palms sweat as well. I always feel dumb after answering because I know I could’ve said something better. Speaking up can be very difficult for me, especially when it’s a public setting.
I would simply escape. There is always a safe place where I can be alone. I don’t care, as long as I am out of there.
@wittyLemon3968 It sounds challenging to be put on the spot or forced to speak up. How does it feel to escape and have that safe space alone?
It’s feels perfect. Nobody judging and staring. But unfortunately it’s temporary:((
