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Transforming Panic into Presentation Power: My Journey

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Chapter 1: A New Beginning

Last week marked my first in-person meeting in Austin since 2020, and it was wonderful to connect with fellow sales representatives, many of whom I had only met through video calls. I was invited to present to an audience of 50 salespeople about my team's exciting projects. This opportunity made me reflect on my journey — if you had asked me five years ago to present to such a large group, I would have spent the night before in restless anxiety, sweating and with my heart racing.

Now, delivering presentations feels second nature.

From Anxiety to Awareness

My struggle with anxiety began during my senior year of high school. I didn’t recognize what I was experiencing until just before my 18th birthday when my grandfather fell ill and passed away unexpectedly. During that period, I vividly recall waking up at night, trembling and gasping for breath. Throughout the day, I battled nausea, hot flashes, and an overwhelming sense of dread.

I pondered, "What is going on?" A doctor's visit revealed that my symptoms were tied to mental health rather than a physical ailment. I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety and panic attacks. My grandfather had been my caretaker after my mother’s passing, and losing him took a significant toll on my emotional well-being.

The College Years and New Challenges

After my grandfather's death, my anxiety began to wane as I prepared for college at Arizona State University. However, throughout my time there, I faced various life challenges, including a terrifying incident on public transit. While I experienced some anxiety about presentations, it was manageable until I graduated and started my first job.

The Realities of Adulthood

Relocating to California brought excitement, which initially kept my anxiety at bay. However, over the next couple of years, anxiety resurfaced, especially concerning presentations. I often felt trapped and found myself selecting seats near exits during meetings. Eventually, the moment I dreaded occurred: I had a full-blown panic attack in front of senior directors just before presenting. I drew a blank, my heart raced, and the silence felt unbearable. Once I regained my composure, I continued as if nothing had happened, but I was left feeling ashamed and sad about how anxiety was impacting my life.

Anxiety began to spill into my personal life, making outings like grocery shopping nerve-wracking. I decided it was time to seek help again, but this visit led me on a different path.

Medical Insights into Anxiety

After extensive tests, it was discovered that I had an adrenal disorder, which caused my adrenal glands to produce five times the normal amount of DHEA — a hormone that converts to cortisol. This hormonal imbalance kept me in a constant state of fight or flight, which exacerbated my anxiety. My endocrinologist prescribed Decadron (a steroid) and hormonal birth control, which significantly reduced my anxiety symptoms.

However, the pre-presentation jitters persisted, driven by the memory of my earlier panic attack. I recognized that overcoming this challenge would likely require professional guidance.

Chapter 2: The Path to Recovery

One of the most valuable lessons I learned in therapy was that anxiety often affects high achievers more than we realize. I also came to understand that experiencing another panic attack wouldn’t be the end of my career; instead, most people would respond with empathy rather than judgment.

To further enhance my public speaking skills, I enrolled in a course called “Stand and Deliver.” This class not only taught me the technical aspects of speaking, such as tone and body language, but also helped me relax and care less about others' opinions. Another excellent resource is Toastmasters, which offers opportunities to improve communication skills in a supportive environment.

The key to overcoming the fear of public speaking lies in consistent practice. Start in low-stakes environments, like contributing to weekly staff meetings. If you work for a large organization, consider leading “lunch and learn” sessions to practice in front of colleagues. Gradually, you can build your confidence to present to larger audiences.

Now, as a sales professional, I frequently pitch to Vice Presidents without a second thought.

Final Thoughts: Overcoming Anxiety

Anxiety can be a formidable barrier, but it is conquerable. With the right support — including therapy and proper medical care — you can transform your life. Reflecting on my journey, I feel immense gratitude for the challenges I've faced. What once kept me from leaving the house has now become a source of confidence.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, I hope to shed light on this debilitating issue and inspire others who may be experiencing similar struggles.

Video Description: In this TEDx talk, Danish Dhamani shares his personal journey of overcoming his fear of public speaking, offering insights and strategies that helped him build confidence.

Video Description: Dr. Justin Moseley discusses his experiences with public speaking anxiety and how he managed to conquer his fears, providing encouragement for others facing similar challenges.

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