worried about speaking infront of people

hi all.

i am a new member, just joined up today.

i would like to share with u all a massive problem that i have lived with for almost my whole life i am now (24).

i am extemely anxious about speeking infront of people, speaking on the phone to new peaple and even writing infront of people. i worry that i sound stupid when doing so or that i do not make sence and ultimetly i worry that people will find out how STUPID i really am.

the reason why i have chosen to speak out on it now is because it is really interfering in my job performance. as a nurse i am expected to speak to all different types of health professiols eg: doctors pychologists social workers and of course other nurses. each time i am expected to talk to somebody i go red, my heart races and i get very very anxious and also a sick feeling in my stomach like owerwhelming doom takes over. i then concentrate on their faces to see what they are thinking of me and this usually results in me stuffing up what i am saying.

has anybody else experienced this?

Pretty much everyone here experiences that.
Even if you did say something stupid wats the worst that could happen ?
Thats wat my phych always says anyway.

So do I. I worry alot. I'm 21 years old. I've experienced this shit all my life too.

Even lost couple of jobs because of fear of communication in person.

Typical SAD. At least you have a good job, unlike so many people here.
Welcome to the site!

I had this for so long and my early and mid 20s.

Eventually, I cam through a lot of this just by perservering - staying in the game.

I had so many meetings and discussions each day that I became immersed in all of this and overcame much of the anxiety.

You are a nurse - top marks - be kind to yourself.
You deserve it to yourself to come through the anxiety.

Tip 1 - visualise yourself succeeding and listen to subliminal tapes on self esteem - louise hay is one example.