I have a problem and it's controlling my life. I get panic attacks at school when I get called on to read out loud. I can barely talk when the teacher calls on me. I can hardly breathe.
I'm embarrassed about the whole situation. Ever since it happened once, I get a panic attack every time I get called on because I'm scared I'll have another and embarrass myself. It's making me nervous to come to school each day. Help me, please!
Hey girl, sorry to hear that you're going through this. Reading out loud is already nerve-racking enough without having to worry about panic attacks, so I can only imagine how stressed you must be. When I was younger, I hated being called on or reading out loud. I would always get way nervous and mess up when I read, so you’re def not alone. But the good news is that you can change that.
Why so shy?
If it’s gotten bad enough that you don’t even want to go to school, it's time to take charge. First, you gotta figure out why you're so afraid to pipe up in class. Are you extremely shy? Feel like you're gonna trip over your words? Relax! You're a great, smart chica just the way you are. And remember, everyone makes mistakes. Who cares if you pronounce a president's name wrong? It'll be OK and if anyone thinks you're stupid, they're just immature. You learn by making blunders, so don't be afraid to put yourself out there.
Get set to start talkin'
Now you need to get comfy with talking in class. Practice reading out loud, slowly and carefully when you're alone in your room. An added bonus about reading to yourself? Since you're taking in the material in a different way, you'll really focus on what you're learning and get in extra study time.
You can also start off by reading in classes where you feel more comfy. Getting straight A's in English? Raise your hand and read a passage from Jane Eyre. Got a BFF in one of your classes? Just knowing she's near will ease your fears.
Focus on your faves
Also, try to think about the things in school that you love instead of worrying about embarrassing yourself. If you can’t wait to hang with your gal pals at lunch or you just LOVE that amazing art class, look forward to stuff like that! Everyone embarrasses themselves, and everyone makes mistakes. It’s part of being human. And nerves just make it more likely to happen. So when you get to class, and before you have to read out loud, take a deep breath and just relax.
I hope this helps, girl. Good luck! Go out and show ‘em what you’ve got!
Xoxo,
Kristen Y.
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POSTED ON 10/12/2009 7:00:00 AM
POSTED IN bust school stress, participate in class