Help, I am very shy!

Sep 14, 2003

Dear Counsellor,<br>I am a 24-year-old second year university student with a public speaking problem. I feel terrified whenever I am called upon to address my fellow coursemates during group discussion.

Dear Counsellor,
I am a 24-year-old second year university student with a public speaking problem. I feel terrified whenever I am called upon to address my fellow coursemates during group discussion.

Any situation, which would make all students pay attention to me, is a horror, which I must avoid. I believe I am not shy, yet have a fear of people. Counsellor, please help me.
J.B., Muyenga

Dear J.B.,
Thank you for sharing this problem with me. Your problem affects so many people, young and old. It is referred to as social phobia or fear of being the centre of attention.

This kind of feeling often has its roots in one’s childhood and continues into adulthood.

In your case J.B., you seem to feel nervous before fellow students perhaps due to extreme self-consciousness and negative thinking. Your self-esteem must have crumbled early in life which makes you unconsciously feel that you don’t measure up to the expected standards.

Nevertheless, hope is not lost. The fact that you have come to accept it as a problem at personal level is a step in the right direction. With professional help you can learn new ways of thinking and behaving. Please see a trained counsellor for face to face counselling.

jamesawagwau@yahoo.com
077-631-032

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