Breakdown/Big Panic attack happening

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-01-2006
Breakdown/Big Panic attack happening
9
Mon, 09-11-2006 - 8:58am

I just got back from an executive PTA board meeting for my son's elementary school. It's a brand new school so this is the first year for all of us. I thought, despite my anxiety problems, that it would be fun to get and maybe help to get me over some of my social anxiety. (I am having a hard time typing between my crying and hyperventelating so please excuse me) However, it has been mostly hell so far. Today I think was the final straw. I am the VP of programs but I feel like everyone else is doing the planning and I am just left to pick up the ball of their plans. Today I actually got into a confrontation with the President (who I don't know well). I don't do confrontations, because I end up like I am right now. I am ready to quit, but how do I quit and still show up at my son's school? I can't even call my best friend to talk to her right now because I am incapable of speech.

Michelle

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-05-2003
Mon, 09-11-2006 - 1:17pm
*hugz* Michelle - some thoughts I have are maybe stepping down from VP and just helping out when you can , that way you don't have to quit completely and feel you can't show your face in there again. Also, it will take less stress and pressure off of you if you dno't feel like you have to lead everyone else. Just tell them you have a lot going on and you wouldn't feel you could give them the time needed to be VP. Just a suggestion, HTH *hugz*

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-25-2005
Mon, 09-11-2006 - 2:36pm
Michelle I have to say you are BRAVE!!!! to take on this job!!
With anxiety it is difficult not to take things personally perhaps
these events are ones that occur every year??? You might want to ask
the PREZ what are your duties as VP??? If you feel you are not able to
take on this job then by all means bow out!! DO NOT FEEL BAD!!!
someone else will step in I AM SURE!! I do HOPE that things work out
for you so you can feel confident about what you have done!! YOU SHOULD!!
HUGS! Judy
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-27-2003
Mon, 09-11-2006 - 4:38pm
aw michelle...i know those feelings all too well...it SUCKS. i don't have any great words of wisdom, but wanted to say hi and let you know you are not alone...we've all been there too:( please reach out and ask for support as often as you need it.
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-01-2006
Mon, 09-11-2006 - 5:30pm

Thanks. I am feeling better this afternoon, in that I am not crying when I try to talk about it. My loved ones (ie my husband and best friend) were ready to go beat up the person who made me feel this way. Which is sweet, but not going to help.

My mom and bf are trying to get me to talk to the lady, but it's so hard for me to do that. I am not a confrontational person unless it relates to my kids, and even then I have hard time. Most people don't believe that I am not confrontational because I am such a sarcastic person. But I have a very hard time standing up for myself. I have decided not to make any decisions until later, like later this week. I might try to email her and say something, but I don't know. Thanks for the support.

Michelle

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Tue, 09-12-2006 - 10:53am
(((Michelle))) I'm glad you're feeling better. With time, I think you will be able to handle this situation. Not being able to speak is a good thing. You didn't say anything you would regret later. Come up with some ideas of what you expect & find out what is expected of you. Then put your plan into action. I admire your courage to overcome the social anxiety
 

 


 



Community Leader
Registered: 10-22-2001
Tue, 09-12-2006 - 2:16pm
Every time you put yourself out there it takes a tremendous amount of courage.
You are one brave woman for even thinking of tackling this let alone actually doing it.
Maybe like some others suggested step back a bit, possibly you are overdoing it.
Not speaking may in fact be a positive because like someone else suggested you won't say something you might in fact regret later.
I admire you. My ds has this and it has been a long haul.
Ppl need to understand this isn't something that just won't go away.
It takes time and patience and an amazing amount of courage.
Baby steps I tell my son.
Someday it won't be so hard and for others who confront this daily.
Thanks because this board has helped me immensely.
I am aware more now than ever that I to may have this and have done a pretty good job of masking it.
Taking one day at a time.
I feel pretty proud of myself because I deal with a lot of ppl at work.
Learning to calm myself down and have acquired many new coping skills.
My self-confidence and self-esteem are definitely improving.
Just going to work today makes me realize how far I have come.
If I can do it I know my son can but on his own time.
All of us have the ability to overcome this in our own time.
Baby steps.
Nightangel
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Wed, 09-13-2006 - 9:16pm

Hi Michelle and welcome to our board!

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Wed, 09-13-2006 - 9:17pm

Hi & welcome!

Sheri Ann

Community Leader
Registered: 10-22-2001
Mon, 09-18-2006 - 1:30pm
Thanks!
Just finding this board has been a godsend.
It is a place where we can share and ppl understand exactly what it is like.
We need encouragement and I have found it here.
It takes courage to even admit you are dealing with this.
Many ppl are not educated or supportive when dealing with anxiety/mood disorders.
I have tried to advocate and educate what it is like to have this or have someone you love (ds) have it.
Dealing with it hasn't been easy but this is a great place to come and connect and share with others.
Nightangel