I have a very public position, how can I deal with anxiety surrounding it?

Personally, public speaking seems to make people feel anxious. In order to relieve the sense of anxiety, I recommend knowing the material front and back (if it is a speech or group project) and go into the moment with the mindset knowing that you know more about the topic you're telling the people in the room about. That seems to make me feel at ease with the public position.

You can chat with people on 7Cups, but you can also go chat with a psychologist or counsellour. In Canada and the US, they must keep confidentially (no matter if you're famous, in politics, or whatever). If they do not do this, the consequences are serious, and career-ending. There are some situations where they do have to break confidentiality, but they will outline this in the consent form. You can look for people who work with other people who have public positions for extra discretion. Doctors can also help with anxiety. Find somewhere private, and get help.. :) I hope you feel better soon, or learn how to manage some of the anxiety soon.

I am sure you already have tried some strategies. What has worked for you in the past? Also, anxiety is very common and can be treated so it may be helpful to contact your family doctor.

Don't bring work home. Work is only a part of your life. If you have a stressful job, you need to understand work gives you one identity only. When you are not working, you need to enjoy your life. Anxiety tends to creep up on you when you feel trapped or start feeling that you have one track thinking. Then you need to pause and breathe. Often time a short break can help you feel more relieved. Additionally try diversify your identity. If you have a hobby, spend more time cultivating the hobby. Life is too short to devote all of it to work.

How cool is to be a leader and be visible and yet how hard it is to be in any public position and be so visible:) Congrats on a valuable position. The most important is never forget of who you are as a person and never forget friends that you had during the time when you did not have a very public office. Look for real people and real issues and focus on the task at hand. The more you think about the moment to moment presence and reality of your inner world and connection on why did you choose the path that you did, the more you will be content and less occupied by the external factors that cause feelings of anxiety.