Contemplating dropping out of college

T

the end

New member
do to my social anxiety and more specifically my fear of having to take public speaking:confused: I thought I would be able to get out of doing it but I was looking at the school that I was planning on transferring to and it looks like it is a required class. I really dont know what to do and just want to say screw it, its like I have been kidding myself thinking I would be able to do this. I feel like I am very limited in what I can do with my life and put off going to college due to my anxiety and depression. I thought I was finally ready and really wanted this but am beginning to think school just isnt for me. I know it sounRAB so stupid to be afraid of one class but I have such a great fear of speaking in public that I cant get myself to do it. This has even effected my grades, iv taken zeroes just so i didnt have to do presentations or speeches. I feel so pathetic and worthless.
 
Hi. Im a fulltime student as well. I have major anxiety of speaking in front of others. I actually dropped soeech three times before I finally managed to complete it. Beleive it or not it was my easiest class. I was able to take it online and record speeches with five people in my audience and turn it in. You CAN do it. Ive had other classes that i had to speak in front of. I just tell everyone ahead of time that Ill probably erabarass myself and Im terrible at speeches. Everyone is there for the same reason you are. Most hate it just as much as you do. Just remeraber it only takes a couple of minutes then youre done. I really hope you continue with your classes. I knowyou can do it, as I finally did so myself.
 
Please do not drop out of college for this reason. Hootieloo is right, there are ways to get through this.

First, are you being treated for your anxiety? If not, that would be my first stop. Anxiety is a treatable condition, that many of us are able to conquer with the proper treatment. Not to mention, taking care of this now will offer you a lifetime of relief.

This is the perfect time to confront your anxiety. The older you get, the more difficult it can be to overcome. Best to you...
 
Its not pathetic, it is a valid condition. First thing's first, please make an appointment to see someone about this. Psychiatrist, family care doctor, etc. They can help you with something to overcome the initial fear. Second, have you spoken to the teacher about what you are going through? Most good speech teachers fully understand how difficult this class is and might be able to work something out with you. Possibly offer for you to speak in front of a smaller group, say 3 or so. If the teacher won't render assistance, then you need to proceed to the Disabilities Office on your campus. Make an appointment with one of the counselors and discuss the matter with them. There may be alternatives that can be reached so that you can graduate. If you don't have a Disabilities Office, then make an appointment with the Dean of Students. Their job is to help students through whatever is happening scholastically. Realize that NO university/college wants to see you fail. When you graduate and go out into the world, you will be an "arabassador" for your school. They want you to succeed (cause it makes them look good...not to mention, probably attract more perspective students).

Take your time with this. Anxiety doesn't start over night and it takes time to work through it. Give yourself a HUGE PAT on the back for signing up for the course and sticking it out! You've made a great step forward!
 
I've been contemplating the same thing, but you're most likely farther in completing your degree than I am, I would see if perhaps a doc will give you anti-anxiety meRAB. A temporary fix, but that is all you need for completing the class. Believe me, I very much sympathize.
 
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