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Panic
07.27.04 (6:52 am) [edit]
Ok I had my first panic attack that I've had in a couple years today. It was HORRIBLE. They told me last night that I would be briefing, and I was like ok. I started preparing for it today, and WHAMMO about 2 hrs before i was to brief I started getting sick to my stomach, flushed, and my hearing and vision started goin on me. Now this hasn't happened since College, and I thought I'd be ok briefing because I always had in the past.... but I guess not!!! Sgt Woods and Alcorn were like what's wrong and stuff, and I finally had to have Alcorn help me outside to get some of the fresh Afghani air (another story). I went to the bathroom and hyperventilated until I talked myself outta it. I felt a bit better, and went on preparing, but I was panicked until I got up there. Once I was up there, I did just fine. Hopefully it doesn't happen again, HOW EMBARRASSING!!! The human mind and physical reactions that happen because of it make no sense to me sometimes!!!
Ok about the Afghan air. The 'particles' in the air here are about 60% fecal material since so many people don't use the bathroom and so many areas in the country don't have sewers. So the dirt literally has shit in it, hence so does the air, especially during these lovely wind storms. No wonder I wake up every morning with all sorts of crap in my nose!! BLECH :shock:

posted by: newbie (reply)
post date: 07.27.04 (7:06 am)

Hey Babe! You just go from one interesting incident to another don't you. I know tests used to give you the heebe jeebies - maybe part of the severity of this was because it was a fairly new situation, you haven't done a briefing for a long time. If it's any comfort, a lot of professional performers have the same problem, but as they say, "the show must go on"..... Boy, after what you are having to breath there the ol'LA smog will smell like roses! What does the "air quality" there do to people's lungs? Should we send some surgical masks?? Your diving tanks???
Love, Mom


posted by: newbie (reply)
post date: 07.27.04 (7:26 am)

Glad to hear you got it together enough to do your briefing. You should be ok now that you had your first success. Gross air quality maybe a mask would help? You are right about the human mind and its effects on the body. Now you know why I take zoloft?????It works for me. Lots of love coming your way.



posted by: newbie (reply)
post date: 07.27.04 (6:13 pm)

Ya, know.....I've been there, done that....Performce Anxiety is a powerful thing....good for you for getting thru it.....and don't be embarrassed....it happens to the best of us. Let me know if you got my email at your new email address. love, susan


posted by: newbie (reply)
post date: 07.27.04 (7:46 pm)

They always used to say imagine the audience naked......I think that would give me anxiety knowing the crowd you were likely talking to you. Keep doing it....it will get easier but until you are totally confident that you know more than they do.....it will never be fun. Dazzle 'em with what you know...cause you are briefing them they don't no anthing....you can't afford to BS in the job your in. Its part of it.....make it a challenge to be your most favorite things. I gave press conferences, lessons, briefings and testified for days in court. When I started it I hated it now I realize I have something to say and wouldn't be there if they didn't want to here it.......treat it as a conversation and it will get better over time. Love, DAD


posted by: newbie (reply)
post date: 07.30.04 (7:46 am)

Sorry to hear you had a panik attack..after so long since you had one...but it is great that you can reason yourself out of it!!! We miss you and are always thinking about you!