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So I've had this position for a year now and I didn't realize it would require so much public speaking. I know tons of people have problems with it but I get physically ill beforehand.
I also did not know it would require international travel...which is fine...but some of the pressure is starting to take its toll on me. We're traveling next weekend for a meeting I have to present at. I started not sleeping t this week. I've been up all night stressing about the work. And started stressing about my presentation, the 16 hour flight, the fact my monthly 'visitor' is scheduled to start the day I'm speaking (sorry, TMI).
Basically I feel a mess and I haven't even gotten on the plane yet. My heart is pounding so fast all the time I feel like I could have a heart attack by the time I land. And the trip is a week away.
I have some Xanax but I hate to start popping those all the time as I know they can be addictive. Anyone have tips on how to handle feeling this way? I can't oh through another week of this; I'll be no good come time to leave......
So I've had this position for a year now and I didn't realize it would require so much public speaking. I know tons of people have problems with it but I get physically ill beforehand.
I also did not know it would require international travel...which is fine...but some of the pressure is starting to take its toll on me. We're traveling next weekend for a meeting I have to present at. I started not sleeping t this week. I've been up all night stressing about the work. And started stressing about my presentation, the 16 hour flight, the fact my monthly 'visitor' is scheduled to start the day I'm speaking (sorry, TMI).
Basically I feel a mess and I haven't even gotten on the plane yet. My heart is pounding so fast all the time I feel like I could have a heart attack by the time I land. And the trip is a week away.
I have some Xanax but I hate to start popping those all the time as I know they can be addictive. Anyone have tips on how to handle feeling this way? I can't oh through another week of this; I'll be no good come time to leave......
For the lack of sleep, is it all night or how many hours do you lose?
I have problems with stress/anxiety related insomnia and I take ambien.
It works well. I don't wake up feeling anywhere close to 100%, but it's better than if I had only slept a couple of hours, or none at all.
For the lack of sleep, is it all night or how many hours do you lose?
I have problems with stress/anxiety related insomnia and I take ambien.
It works well. I don't wake up feeling anywhere close to 100%, but it's better than if I had only slept a couple of hours, or none at all.
I'd say I got about 3 hours last night.
I am a little concerned about throwing meds in the mix...between the stress and time change I'm kinda concerned that if i take certain meds that I'll 'really' be screwed sleep cycle wise by the time I return.
I am a little concerned about throwing meds in the mix...between the stress and time change I'm kinda concerned that if i take certain meds that I'll 'really' be screwed sleep cycle wise by the time I return.
But I'd consider as a last resort.
3 hours is brutal.
What really gets me is when I have a tough job to do and I have to wake up at 5 AM to drive to the airport, get on a flight, then have the meeting. Etc.
I would lose lots of sleep those nights.
Personally, the ambien is not addicting to me, because it is only the isolated stress that causes the insomnia, so on normal days, I'm fine.
Maybe try the meds sparingly on the really bad days when you need to travel etc.
Long term, I think you need a new job that better fits your wants and skillset.
Ahh...if only we all had the luxury of getting a job we want. For me, that would probably be a food critic. Or a traveling photographer. Or something else 'fun'....
I think this position fits my want of wanting to pay my bills and have extra money left over for a vacation now and then. And it fits my skill set in that I am capable of performing the duties, however, I have a great deal of anxiety that centers around speaking/presenting/etc. It's not something I have to do every day but management thinks it's my strength. So I think they may want to increasingly see me do more of it. I have an amazing amount of composure on the outside that is highly masked by extreme anxiety that simply eats me alive from the inside during these times of public speaking, etc.....
Maybe meds if needed in the short term but I would reach out to anxiety specialists in the long term. There are many good cognitive behavioral based strategies out there. You should consider finding a good person to help you learn and implement them.
I used to participate in a Toastmasters group. It was a great group and helped me a ton. I was already OK at public speaking but the group was such a high step up. If you can find a good local group and have the time, I recommend it.
What really gets me is when I have a tough job to do and I have to wake up at 5 AM to drive to the airport, get on a flight, then have the meeting. Etc.
I would lose lots of sleep those nights.
Personally, the ambien is not addicting to me, because it is only the isolated stress that causes the insomnia, so on normal days, I'm fine.
And it's just going to get worse the closer to the date I have to leave. Not to mention I started having these mild little 'chest pains' today...the only other time I've experienced them was last month when I had to travel/speak (happened on my way to the airport).
So this is all obviously related to stress. I just don't know how to cope. I have to get some sleep and feel rested in order to concentrate and do my best. Luckily I do not have to get up early to catch the flight going. Not that that would be bad, because I could 'try' to sleep on the way there (not likely I will be able to though). But let's not forget by the time I'm on the other side of the world I'll be doing most of this work/presenting at what is essentially 3:00/4:00 am US time....
I have actually used ambien before a long time ago. It does get the job done as far as sleep from what I remember. I just can't be knocked out or groggy or have any kinda 'brain fog' while I'm traveling because I need to be able to focus/react to things quickly.
That is good that you are fine on 'normal days'....I just find my body takes a long time to adjust to changes. So when I travel, then throw in meds, etc., by the time I get back....I'm way off balance for a while.
Ahh...if only we all had the luxury of getting a job we want. For me, that would probably be a food critic. Or a traveling photographer. Or something else 'fun'....
I think this position fits my want of wanting to pay my bills and have extra money left over for a vacation now and then. And it fits my skill set in that I am capable of performing the duties, however, I have a great deal of anxiety that centers around speaking/presenting/etc. It's not something I have to do every day but management thinks it's my strength. So I think they may want to increasingly see me do more of it. I have an amazing amount of composure on the outside that is highly masked by extreme anxiety that simply eats me alive from the inside during these times of public speaking, etc.....
Ok, maybe I worded it poorly but I just meant find a job that better suits you. It doesn't need to be a dream job that you love. But do try finding one without public speaking or travelling if that's what causes you anxiety.
Not every job requires lots of public speaking in foreign lands. If it's causing you severe anxiety, it is slowly killing you and isn't worth it. Stress is the new cigarettes!
Ok, maybe I worded it poorly but I just meant find a job that better suits you. It doesn't need to be a dream job that you love. But do try finding one without public speaking or travelling if that's what causes you anxiety.
Not every job requires lots of public speaking in foreign lands. If it's causing you severe anxiety, it is slowly killing you and isn't worth it. Stress is the new cigarettes!
Now I'm slowly being killed? I thought I was feeling anxious earlier today but now I'm in full panic attack mode
Just kidding....I feel you though. I do understand where you're coming from. I think long term....you may be right actually....
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