Does anxiety prevent you from performing to the best of your abilities?

[izzymarie]

I know that I have it in me to do great academically, but when it comes to my grades they're all mediocre. I think the reason I don't do my best is because I'm afraid of standing out. Like in my english class this semester we're going to be graded on participation and how well we answer questions. I of course am freaking out about this, and will probably just sit back and watch my grade plummet to an F because I'm so afraid of speaking up in front of other people. Does anyone else have this problem or have any ideas on how I can overcome it?

 

[Nicholas]

It might be. You never know whether it's generalized anxiety, social anxiety, or depression, but all of them affect everything you do. In my case they have stressed me out, so it was hard to function normally. And for several other reasons, I'm dropping out of university.

 

[sorrow1]

anxiety used to always hold me back. i never participated in my classes at uni and eventually stopped turning up. my grades plummeted, i failed the year and subsequently dropped out. biggest mistake of my life now. but i learned my lesson.
in my new job i need lots of participation. its hard and i often dread going into work but when i endure and push myself i feel that little bit better and satisfied afterwards. then the feeling subsides and i get nervous again for the next time but i do it again and eventually it gets easier. i know its easier said than done and everyone is different but I think its best to try otherwise you might regret it.

 

[Kinetik]

I did pretty decently throughout high school but I dropped out of college three-quarters of the way through my degree. It became too difficult for me to go to class, my anxiety was terrible and every day felt like a death sentence. So I would say slack a bit on class participation if you must, but watch out with attendance, as that's the one thing that really screwed me over. And of course, do force yourself to get through things like presentations since they're oftentimes quite a hefty percentage of your overall grade.

 

[Noca]

I run at 0.01 % of my potential

 

[emofree]

I remember before during my thesis class in college I'm a graduating student back then when I was about to go in front of the panel of judges showing my thesis. My anxiety struck again so when I was about to demo my product to the thesis adviser my hand been shaking terribly because I didn't know what to do or answer if the thesis adviser questions.

I know my thesis project from bits to info thanks to my anxiety for holding me back. so after that horrible anxiety struck incident I went out of the room face palm my head and calm myself down. thank goodness that the thesis advisers was patient and they give me a chance. so after thesis presentation they give me a passing mark despite of having an anxiety and my effort. So meaning anxiety really is holding you back or preventing you from performing your best abilities and yes it happens.

 

[izzymarie]

It makes me feel a little better knowing I'm not the only one who has this problem. I agree that just forcing myself to do it will be the only solution.. guess I'll just have to suck it up and grin and bear it :/ Ugh. I hate school!

 

[sweety345]

It used to very much. I had severe sweating of the face when I got in social situations or when I was "on the spot" like talking witn a group. Last week I got 0.5% glycopyrrolate solution and it worked like magic. Now I don't feel limited. Last night I went to a party I normally wouldn't have, and didn't sweat a drop. Now my emotions and braveness just have to catch up because I might still get a little anxious.

I'm trying to challenge myself. It just takes courage to test your limits, I think.

 

[dooby-duck]

Yes. I usually take the easiest route instead of the route I know I should take. I tend to struggle on alone rather than seek out or ask for help. I used to hate being put on the spot by being asked questions in classes. The people who seemed to do the best at Uni were always asking questions, clarifying points and talking to lecturers. In the three years it took to complete my degree I never asked a single question. I got the degree but know I could have done a lot better.

 

[zlench]

It defintly holds me back because without I feel that I would have better job and ten times better life with out fear and anxiety.

 

[izzymarie]

Not trying to start a pity party, but based on these responses it definitely seems that people like us are at a total disadvantage. It really is always the outgoing people that seem to thrive the most and become the most successful, regardless of how smart they are. Being shy is such a curse ::

 

[LadyWench]

I run at 0.01 % of my potential

Same here, I'm sure.