Anxiety mostly down, except...

[lilmutegirl]

I recently noticed that my threshold anxiety level has gone down dramatically (I'm not constantly on edge anymore--my anxiety is triggered by an event). I even feel more comfortable in situations that used instill panic in me. For instance, I have taken a few tests at school recently and I was remarkably calm. Not too long ago, I would have been freaked out that I would do something to draw attention to myself in the silent classroom. I also talked to our district manager (my boss's boss) on the phone recently when she called our store. This woman rubs everybody the wrong way, and I usually am very jittery even at the idea of talking to her. This time, she was pretty nice (for her) and I felt fine talking to her.

However, I have one class in particular (the one I should be on my way to now, but I didn't get the homework done, and I missed the last meeting because I would be late) that is causing me a great deal of anxiety. What's strange is I've missed two of my other classes a couple of times and was able to go back, and I feel at least okay in them.

I also need to make some phone calls, which I've been avoiding, and several other non-social things that I'm getting overwhelmed by and avoiding because of anxiety.

Should I just write off this class? Unless the instructor is extremely lenient, I probably won't do very well. The main problem is that I've missed so much, which isn't her fault at all. I'm concerned that if I try to make it work, something else that is going well may suffer...

 

[jaim38]

I used to have pretty bad phone anxiety but my volunteer work forces me to talk to strangers, so the anxiety isn't as severe anymore. It also teaches me to be more polite and humble.

Should I just write off this class? Unless the instructor is extremely lenient, I probably won't do very well. The main problem is that I've missed so much, which isn't her fault at all. I'm concerned that if I try to make it work, something else that is going well may suffer...

Before you do anything, please speak to your instructor and tell her about your social anxiety. Ask her if there's a chance you can still pass this class.

 

[skins]

im experiancing the same thing as you mutegirl..ive noticed a marked decline of symptoms in anxiety provoking situations. I put it down to having sucessfully given up all medications and alcoholism. Although this progress has yet to translate into any positive aspects of my life yet, i still chalk it down as progress. Besides i've only just started noticing it anyway. Like talking to a job counciler recently i noticed i could think clearly and express my thoughts effectively and even maintain good eye contact which is new territory for me.

 

[lilmutegirl]

I used to have pretty bad phone anxiety but my volunteer work forces me to talk to strangers, so the anxiety isn't as severe anymore. It also teaches me to be more polite and humble.



Before you do anything, please speak to your instructor and tell her about your social anxiety. Ask her if there's a chance you can still pass this class.

It's great that your anxiety has decreased (I think exposure is a great way to help combat this, personally).

I plan on emailing her this weekend. I have a feeling she may just suggest I drop the class (I've missed 2 of the last 3 weeks).

I had a similar situation in another class, but met with the instructor, and was able to continue (I have an A in this one and the instructor used to be a counselor, so he was very sympathetic and understanding--plus, since I had been doing so well already, he figured I'd be able to catch up on the material I'd missed.)

In the class I'm currently concerned about, I had a solid B going into Spring Break, then was in a car accident, and missed the week after Spring Break due to dealing with that and being exhausted (I felt too tired to drive to class). I went back for a week, but then was going to be late the next time, and ended up skipping, which lead me to skipping the next class...

I'm really disappointed in myself, but I think most people would think it's reasonable for me to drop the class. I'm working the equivalent of full-time between two part-time jobs, raising a kid, and am currently enrolled in 12 hours at college. My bf and a former co-worker agreed that 12 hours is a lot to take on with other obligations. My co-workers at both jobs seem impressed that I'm able to do all of that.

What sucks is, I was really doing fine...I expect at least two As and possibly a B in my other class. I could have easily pulled a B in this one if I hadn't missed any. Then I would have proven to everybody (mostly myself) that I could do this. Then I'd be proud of myself.

 

[lilmutegirl]

im experiancing the same thing as you mutegirl..ive noticed a marked decline of symptoms in anxiety provoking situations. I put it down to having sucessfully given up all medications and alcoholism. Although this progress has yet to translate into any positive aspects of my life yet, i still chalk it down as progress. Besides i've only just started noticing it anyway. Like talking to a job counciler recently i noticed i could think clearly and express my thoughts effectively and even maintain good eye contact which is new territory for me.

Noticing the decline in symptoms is great! I'm sure that giving up medications and alcohol helped. I am thinking I need to cut caffeine out of my diet (as I sip my coffee...)

I'm glad you're feeling better--it sounds as though this was a conscious decision on your part, and I'm sure good things will come of it.

 

[lilmutegirl]

I just emailed the instructor. I have mixed feelings as to how I'd like her to respond. On one hand, I'd like to finish the class so I don't have to worry about the repurcussions of dropping it (impacted financial aid, having to repeat the class, etc.). On the other hand, I wouldn't mind dropping it and having one less thing to worry about. I also would need to make up some out-of-class work that I have not kept up on, so this would be quite time-consuming. I guess I'll probably know by the end of the day tomorrow...