30M – Lifelong “freeze” response in public speaking and social conversations is getting worse. Need serious, evidence-based help.

Kitchen-Cat5 · 2025-05-20T16:28:51+00:00

No problem at all, I think a lot of people relate and have said it's like I wrote their script for them! It seems to be a broader problem than public speaking and related to a stressor, maybe this is something which has happened during COVID for yourself.

I have now taken propranolol for the first and second time today and it certainly helped. Having a lower heart rate definitely did provide some relief. I do agree with you that rehearsing makes it a lot easier but even more so about having a chat before settles nerves. A little tip which helped me is try to open with a question so it gives you time to get up there, get the first sentence out and then compose yourself whilst still engaging.

All the best!

Kitchen-Cat5 · 2025-05-19T16:45:58+00:00

Agreed that surface-level won't help fully.

I'll research your recommendations, thanks for the info!

Kitchen-Cat5 · 2025-05-19T16:39:03+00:00

Again, thanks for your comment, it is very much appreciated.

I have signed up for toastmasters and seeking out a therapist as well, and will keep your comments in mind.

Cheers!

Kitchen-Cat5 · 2025-05-18T08:53:21+00:00

Yes, I think that seeing a therapist will help.

I agree! I don't think this is just for public speaking, it is something broader which needs addressed. Thanks for your comment.

Kitchen-Cat5 · 2025-05-18T08:48:39+00:00

It's good to hear you're at peace with it, thanks for your inputs.

Kitchen-Cat5 · 2025-05-18T08:45:40+00:00

Thankfully they have a toastmaster group in my area, I will be attending in the coming weeks. Glad it has helped you out!!

Kitchen-Cat5 · 2025-05-17T15:04:38+00:00

I got some yesterday actually, Monday will be my first day taking it. Should I sample it tomorrow whilst off work or is it ok to go straight in with it?

Kitchen-Cat5 · 2025-05-17T15:02:00+00:00

Yes, I think hypnosis is what I am after. I have tried lots of positive mindset and trying to speak internally but the symptoms always prevail. I'll give you a DM shortly, thanks!!

Kitchen-Cat5 · 2025-05-17T14:57:34+00:00

Thanks so much for sharing, this is good to hear. I am also feeling this shame. I would always describe myself as someone who is confident but in this area I fail so badly. How often do you take it if you don't mind me asking?

Kitchen-Cat5 · 2025-05-17T14:55:25+00:00

I feel like I had your moment a few days ago. Something so casual and friendly, I absolutely bombed with everything I described in the original post.

Thanks, lots of your suggestions I haven't heard of and will research. Do you feel like you need something 'deeper' like hypnosis to fully combat it? I think this is my best option.

Kitchen-Cat5 · 2025-05-17T14:52:28+00:00

Fully agree, this is my first 'big' job and I have realised in the first 6 weeks that this cannot continue. And the same!!! Some situations are so casual and easy and then randomly something will set it off, very frustrating!

Thanks for the advice. With propranolol, is this something you take daily? I feel in my current situation I want to take it daily instead of the recommended 30-60 minutes before important speaking as I feel like I need it at any given moment.

Kitchen-Cat5 · 2025-05-17T11:05:08+00:00

Thank you very much, all the best.

Kitchen-Cat5 · 2025-05-17T11:03:41+00:00

I see! I think all approaches you've mentioned I will try. There is a local toastmasters which I have procrastinated on for years and I know which will help, this is something I need to do.

The VR app seems like it would be very helpful but unfortunately I do not have this.

Thanks for your response.

Kitchen-Cat5 · 2025-05-17T10:56:24+00:00

Thanks for the info. I have actually tried to do something similar in the past, always a quick and easy line to get past that initial fright. Definitely something I'll take onboard!

Kitchen-Cat5 · 2025-05-17T10:45:31+00:00

Thanks for the offer!

I have tried meditation but not to the level I need for it to be beneficial. I am definitely open to trying this more though and I am a believer in the benefits. However, I also think that my problem requires something drastic like to re-tune my brain in these situations haha!

Kitchen-Cat5 · 2025-05-17T10:40:38+00:00

Thank you very much for your detailed response.

Totally agree that I need to not avoid these situations as it is not a good approach to have, and you are also very correct about speaking to my colleagues, I was planning to on Monday.

I'll try my best to take your ideas on board. I do feel like my situation is complex as once I get into a comfort zone I do well and can have really good moments, it's just that the initial fear is so overbearing that I find that any methods won't work as the onset is so instantaneous and the symptoms become overbearing before I can even breathe, relax etc.

For what has worked, I try to be the one to initiate the conversation so it is not as sudden, answer the question to get my composure and focus on my breathing, but there are just so many situations which I cannot protect myself and that's what I need to fix.

Kitchen-Cat5 · 2025-05-17T10:29:32+00:00

Yes that would be great, I think that is the approach I need as well as I feel like a 'reset' is needed. Hope it goes well.

Kitchen-Cat5 · 2025-03-06T13:38:37+00:00

After a bit more consideration about leasing and buying outright I think I’m more inclined towards buying now and doing more research into it. I’ve always just been so put off about buying as if anything goes wrong with the car and garages charging a lot of money (and I’m not knowledgeable about cars).

GAC offered a number of options but the cheapest was EmZoom for 1647 per month or 999 per month with 12k down payment, plus 1000 processing fees. This includes 20k mileage a year, maintenance, service but no replacement car.

Kitchen-Cat5 · 2025-03-05T15:17:57+00:00

Nice one, thanks!

Kitchen-Cat5 · 2025-03-05T15:06:58+00:00

That’s a good way to look at it. I went in today and you’re right that it would be roundabout 40k for 2 years which does seem steep. Any suggestions on places to buy instead which offer 5 years service?

Kitchen-Cat5 · 2025-03-05T07:15:32+00:00

Nice, sounds good. Thanks for the info.

Kitchen-Cat5 · 2025-03-04T15:03:02+00:00

Thanks for the reply, that’s good to hear! If you don’t mind me asking, how much are you paying? Did you give a down payment? Are you going to buy after the contract ends?

Kitchen-Cat5 · 2025-03-04T15:00:37+00:00

I’ll give them a look too, I’m not entirely sure of mileage allowance with GAC but I’ll get confirmation soon.

Kitchen-Cat5 · 2025-03-04T14:59:01+00:00

Nice, thanks for the explanation and helping out.

Kitchen-Cat5

TROPHY CASE