How To Handle Panic Without Having To Run From This?

[scout86]

That last bit is a good thing to consider. Also, give yourself some credit for taking the down time. I'm sure that was hard to do, but it makes sense to me that it's part of the preparation.

At a place I used to work we had access to a sports psychologist. She advocated preparing for a big event by practicing in your head. Imagine the scene (if you know what it looks like). Use all your senses. Imagine yourself performing the task. Imagine, using all your senses, the perfect run. She also suggested imagining something going wrong and successfully handling that. Imagine more than one scenario. But imagine doing things the way you want to do them. Don't imagine how things might go wrong. Imagine responding to the unexpected calm cool and collected.

When I have to talk to a group, I try to pick someone back a ways in the room who looks "nice" and I talk to them. You're looking out over the group, so everyone thinks you're making eye contact, but you aren't really talking to anyone but the nice old guy who reminds you of your favorite uncle. (Pick something that works for you)

You've got this! Just be who you are and speak your truth. That will be fine. I'll have my fingers crossed and be thinking of you! And will have enormous respect for you being willing to try this.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

I think everyone already said it all so first I think that you are really brave for doing this and hopefully they will not need you very much. I will be rooting for you.:ninja::ninja::hug:

 

[Abstract]

Sending you huge support Justmehere. You are incredibly brave even if you don't feel it. People have given fabulous answers and I am learning a lot from them too. And learning from you. I don't have much to add.

From the pressure perspective - one of the things I try to do is concentrate on the speaking and getting satisfaction from that rather than focusing on consequences or effect/other people. I have no control over others responses or that aspect of things. I am just doing the best I can in the moment and that itself has to be reward, It helps me take the pressure off and focus on now a little more.

You can do this! However it goes is the way it goes and thats OK. We will be cheering you along and will be v proud of you no matter what,

 

[Freedomfighter]

I have to testify in court about a traumatic event on Friday. I can't give any other info about the...

If you have PTSD and are quite ill that day then there are options. I am versed in the criminal justice field, but not a lawyer. A good lawyer can give you alternatives though, just I can not discuss those, because it would impede on the boundaries set by the laws.

 

[Justmehere]

I really can't explain how much it means to me right now to be able to post here and even more, to have such kind responses and support. It just means so much. Thank you.

I planned to pull out the clothes I'm going to wear today just incase anything needed to be mended. I normally don't care much what I wear... But this is somehow different. The blue sweater I was going to wear has a stain that I can't get out. As far as the couple other sweaters I have, well I'm being stupid and I just want to wear a blue one. Really, it's not about the sweater.... It's about control, and my body, and... well I'm being stupid.

I came back and read your responses. I put one the lightly stained blue sweater on with the skirt and shoes I'm going to wear in court and stood in front of the mirror. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes imagined going into the courtroom and unexpected things happening and staying cool, calm, and collected. such a good idea @scout86!

(Side note: silly stupid sweater problem solved - I googled and found the same cheap but decent blue sweater for sale in stock at a store just down the street. I have never stressed like this about a sweater... ugh.)

I got out the notebooks I need to review and I am going through it now so I can talk to my therapist about it (again) before court.

@gizmo, thank you so so much for cheering me on. :hug:s back to you!

@Abstract - great advice about eye contact! And thanks for your really kind words of encouragement. My therapist tried to remind me that whatever happens, it will be ok in the end - I've been through much worse. I really want to let go of the outcome and just take it moment by moment when I speak. I have done a number of public speaking events but like here, it's everyone job to judge every word I say so my nerves are in high gear. But I am trying to see this as just another thing...

@Freedomfighter - that's a great thought. Thankfully my attorney friend graciously took the time to explore all options for me. It's in my best interest to accept the circumstances and timing as they are and do the best I can with them.

I have to head out and might not be able to write more for a few days. Thank you for all the support. I needed it. :hug:s back to anyone who needs one.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

Cheering you on and just take really good care of you afterwards okay?:hug:

 

[scout86]

I just want to throw out there, the idea that the sweater thing isn't silly. Lots of people do things like that. I have a good friend who competes in some high level horse shows. He has several "lucky shirts". He won't wear a yellow shirt. I've got some things (like a pair of socks!) that I've decided to think of as 'power clothes' and I've convinced myself that I'm 'safer' when I wear them and I ALWAYS wear them going into a difficult situation. Think of it as a form of armor. Hoping your day is a victory!

 

[Deleted member 541]

Wear that blue sweater like a coat of armor and let it remind you just why you are doing what you are doing.... Nope it isn't silly or stupid......

Sending tons of courage your way..... You CAN do this...

 

[Deleted member 12723]

I really hope that it goes well for you.:hug:

 

[Justmehere]

I am currently immersed in a sea of justice and injustice, all wrapped up in one big mess.

It's the lunch break as I write this. I can't eat. I think it's all working out well, just a number of very unexpected things happened.

I'm sitting at a coffee shop just staring at the wall trying to make myself eat food. Drink water. Something.

Soon this will be over. Soon.

 

[Deleted member 541]

@Justmehere I'm hoping that by the time today is over, that you did eat, and things are on the upswing... Hang in there, this will soon be over.... You ARE strong, and you can get through this.... One step at a time.... One breath at a time...

 

[Abstract]

I truly hope you managed to get through it. Sadly justice and injustice is a good description of life. However it went you did amazingly just by fact that you stood up and wanted to counted - and for good.