How do you handle a stressful situation?

[Debbie5]

I know that there will be times when I will be yelled at or spoken harshly to about some mistake I've made or something that I don't know that I should know. I get very nervous when this happens and I tend to get flustered and shut down to the point to where I can't even hear what the person is saying. This is embarressing for me. I keep telling myself that it happens to everyone at some time or another and they overcome it and I will too. Just wondering if any of you have suggestions for handling this type of anxiety. I feel so incompetent when this happens and I find myself becoming obsessed with the scenario in my mind instead of forgetting it and moving on. No one likes to be put down or scolded, especially in front of others but it happens. This is something I've struggled with all my life. I want to be a nurse so bad, but I know that this behavior is self-destructive and could prevent me from succeeding. I am very proud of myself and my accomplishments so far and I have a drive that won't let me quit. I have to see this through.

Thanks to all the members of this site. I have really enjoyed and learned so much from all of you. I would have never confessed this to anyone else.

[Mkue]

being the analyzer that i am and critic... you can guess what i do first.. analyze..lol.. i always try to keep a cool head but i dont' like to be walked all over either.. sometimes this looks like i'm a bit__ but i'm really not..lol..

i try to figure out if it's small stuff or not and handle it as best i can. this is not easy with italian blood..lol.. :)

[pjs40]

i'm the same way...i just want to cry & it seems like i do alot of that lately over everything...lol

[researchrabbit]

I used to cry. Can't blame it on mom n' dad, they are adorable. I was EXTREMELY sensitive as a child and could read censure into everything, including things meant; with toxic parents I'd probably be a basket case now.

Nowadays I take a deep breath, imagine the "authority figure" naked and either go for a smile or no expression, depending on the situation. If I know I made a mistake, I own up to it right away -- this will almost always deflate anyone who is ready to rant because the expectation is that you'll argue. AND once someone knows you'll admit your mistakes, that person will be more likely to understand or listen when there are mitigating circumstances AND more likely to believe you when it wasn't your error!

Also -- here in psych we believe in "Fake it till you make it"...every morning, look in your mirror and say OUT LOUD "I am worthy!" Eventually you will believe what everyone else already knows!

PS -- sometimes I still cry -- but it's AFTERWARDS...and what a great stress reliever when you're done!

[Love-A-Nurse]

originally posted by pjs40

i'm the same way...i just want to cry & it seems like i do alot of that lately over everything...lol

welcome to the board!

[Mkue]

Originally posted by Debbie5

I know that there will be times when I will be yelled at or spoken harshly to about some mistake I've made or something that I don't know that I should know. I get very nervous when this happens and I tend to get flustered and shut down to the point to where I can't even hear what the person is saying. This is embarressing for me. I keep telling myself that it happens to everyone at some time or another and they overcome it and I will too. Just wondering if any of you have suggestions for handling this type of anxiety. I feel so incompetent when this happens and I find myself becoming obsessed with the scenario in my mind instead of forgetting it and moving on. No one likes to be put down or scolded, especially in front of others but it happens. This is something I've struggled with all my life. I want to be a nurse so bad, but I know that this behavior is self-destructive and could prevent me from succeeding. I am very proud of myself and my accomplishments so far and I have a drive that won't let me quit. I have to see this through.

Thanks to all the members of this site. I have really enjoyed and learned so much from all of you. I would have never confessed this to anyone else.

Welcome Debbie5, Just do what you need to do to become a "great nurse". Keep your chin up and be confident, pat yourself on the back when you do something really well !:)