you guys are making me nervous

[idontknow]

I'm 22 and have always been somewhat quiet. One on one I can talk no problem (unless it gets annoying) but in groups I don't talk as much as others just because I don't like to participate in bullshit discussions and other times when I have things to say about a subject I stop myself b/c of the self esteem issue coming in to play. I think I've always been a bit shy but since around 12 I had a problem with my voice or at least I thought there was a problem (voice got really deep all of a sudden in 7th grade and everyone would laugh when I spoke up in class..and since I didn't know why I stopped pronouncing words and would just mutter) I got past thinking that there is somethng overtly wrong with it except that girls really like it..but every time I have to talk it is always in the back of my mind that something is wrong.. Sorry if I'm ranting I'm just getting nervous about what to do about it. I will be finishing school sometime soon ..hopefully.. with a physical therapy degree and I need to function properly. I have no problems with relationships (even though real friends are hard to find lol) but I am concerned about work. Should I start going to a psychologist or try hypnosis.. because I cant keep hiding all the time..

[shypsychologyguy]

probly go to a psychologist usually colleges and university offer free counseling.

[lily]

idontknow said:

I'm 22 and have always been somewhat quiet. One on one I can talk no problem (unless it gets annoying) but in groups I don't talk as much as others just because I don't like to participate in bullshit discussions and other times when I have things to say about a subject I stop myself b/c of the self esteem issue coming in to play. I think I've always been a bit shy but since around 12 I had a problem with my voice or at least I thought there was a problem (voice got really deep all of a sudden in 7th grade and everyone would laugh when I spoke up in class..and since I didn't know why I stopped pronouncing words and would just mutter) I got past thinking that there is somethng overtly wrong with it except that girls really like it..but every time I have to talk it is always in the back of my mind that something is wrong.. Sorry if I'm ranting I'm just getting nervous about what to do about it. I will be finishing school sometime soon ..hopefully.. with a physical therapy degree and I need to function properly. I have no problems with relationships (even though real friends are hard to find lol) but I am concerned about work. Should I start going to a psychologist or try hypnosis.. because I cant keep hiding all the time..

i could relate to this. at times hearing my own voice has actually made me jump cuz it sounds so strange and unexpected! that kind of reaction can happen when you clam up entirely for long periods of time. maybe it would be effective to just throw yourself into the very thing you're trying to escape from - using your voice. if you do it enough you should notice a reduction in this reaction eventually. have you tried something like toastmasters meetings? there you would be among other people trying to become more comfortable with public speaking. if that's too much for you at this point, just reading aloud while you're at home alone might help you get more accustomed to using your voice and hearing yourself speak.

ps - sorry we're making you nervous. ;D

[Shan-Chan]

i wouldnt feel bad about ranting becuase this is the ranting section hehe. i tend to linger on and on myself though , what is it u feel u are hidding from exactly?