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Propranolol
for society anxiety event
Hi, I have society anxiety. I am able to express/present in online situations or in one to one situations but whenever i have to present/express in a group my anxiety peaks, heart rates increases rapidly, my thoughts start to blank, my voice amplitude drops (like something makes my throat choke), uncontrollable twiches happen on face and hands, some sweating too, words start to fumble. This has made my professional and personal life soo tough.
I am trying to improve by reading self help books, meditation, yoga etc. Somewhat its improving but no where near under control.
I don't know if its physical issue or psychological.
I have a big presentation in few days, I researched and found Propranolol 10 or 20mg could help in the event. Is it fine to take for the event and how can i get it?
Also any suggestions or path for long term solution.
Thanks
Answers (12)
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Deep breathing: it calms your mind instantly and allows you the headspace to think clearly
Visualization: when you visualise a positive outcome, your body language changes instantly. Soldiers are taught to
Positive self talk and inner dialogue: when the enemy is near and the situation is difficult in war, your own mind can be your biggest asset or your biggest obstacle. Soldiers are taught to repeat these words constantly in their minds: âI can handle this one step at a time. I know how to deal with itâ instead of thinking âi am going to fallâ
Set tiny goals: focus on finishing only the immediate tiny task at hand and not care about the bigger 6 month mission. This allows you to reduce stress and focus.
Train hard under stress: You don't rise to the occasion, you fall to your level of training. Soldiers go through rigorous training to prepare for the most difficult situations.
I hope these practices will pull you out of your panic attack.
Next Steps
Consult Psychologist /Psychiatrist
Health Tips
do yoga, go for a walk
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It seems to be social anxiety leading to performance pressure.
It needs to be addressed asap otherwise it may get complicated.
It can be well treated with counseling sessions and homeopathic medicine effectively and without any side effects.
It needs to be treated in a holistic approach for complete recovery.
You need an expert Psychologist who is a good homeopathic physician.
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I have been working as a Homeopathic Psychiatrist and Counseling psychologist for the last 17 years of experience. You can contact me through an online appointment for further assistance.
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Hi,
Itâs common to experience heightened anxiety in group settings, and your symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, and difficulty speaking are typical signs of social anxiety or performance anxiety. While your efforts like reading self-help books, practicing meditation, and yoga are helpful, itâs understandable that you still feel overwhelmed. Propranolol is sometimes used to manage physical symptoms of anxiety temporarily, especially before specific events like presentations, but it should only be taken under a doctorâs supervision. I recommend consulting a healthcare professional or psychiatrist to discuss your symptoms and whether medication is appropriate for you, as they can provide proper guidance and prescriptions. For long-term management, therapyâparticularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)âhas proven effective in reducing social anxiety by helping you challenge negative thoughts and gradually build confidence in social situations. Combining therapy with lifestyle modifications and possibly medication, if prescribed, can offer a comprehensive approach to overcoming your anxiety and improving your quality of life.
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consult
Health Tips
seek help
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Consultation with me is advised
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Hello, your symptoms suggest performance/social anxiety, which is quite common and manageable.
Propranolol can help with physical symptoms, but it should only be taken after consulting a psychiatrist, as it may not be suitable for everyone.
For now, try breathing techniques and gradual practice. For long-term improvement, therapies like CBT are highly effective.
You can book a session to work on this in a structured way.
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Hi, Consult a psychiatrist
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Pause + slow exhale
Inhale 4 sec, exhale 6 sec (long exhale reduces panic instantly)
Anchor line (memorize this)
“Let me start by explaining…”
This prevents blank mind freeze
Look at ONE friendly face
Not whole group → reduces overwhelm
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consult
Health Tips
connect
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This sounds like social anxiety with strong physical symptoms. Options like propranolol can help but should be taken after consulting a psychiatrist. For long-term relief cognitive behavioural therapy with exposure related work is effective
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Consult psychiatrist and psychologist
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What you’re describing is very consistent with performance or social anxiety, where the body goes into a fight–flight response in group situations. It can feel physical, but it is largely anxiety-driven and manageable.
Regarding medicines like Propranolol, they can sometimes help with physical symptoms, but should only be taken after consulting a doctor, as suitability varies from person to person.
Next Steps
You should reach out to a professional Counselling psychologist who can help you address the root cause and build long-term confidence through structured techniques like CBT.
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Hi
What you’re describing is performance-based social anxiety. The physical symptoms—racing heart, choking voice, blanking out—are your body going into threat mode, not a physical illness. The fact that you’re comfortable one-on-one or online clearly shows your ability is there; anxiety is just interfering in group settings. Propranolol can help reduce these physical symptoms for an event, but it should only be taken after consulting a doctor, as it’s not meant for self-use without guidance.
For long-term change, CBT works very well for this. The focus is on gradually exposing yourself to group situations, learning to handle the body sensations instead of fearing them, and restructuring the thought pattern that “I will mess up.” With the right approach, this is very treatable and can improve significantly. Take therapy. You can connect with me on nine two six six seven two six zero six five.
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Ms. Zainab Parvez
Clinical Psychologist
4 yrs exp
Gurgaon
What you’re describing sounds like social anxiety. The fact that you’re okay one-to-one but struggle in groups is quite common. The physical symptoms (racing heart, voice choking, mind going blank, sweating) are your body’s fight-or-flight response, so it’s psychological, but it shows up physically.
For the presentation: medicines like Propranolol are sometimes used to control these physical symptoms. They can help, but you shouldn’t take it without a doctor’s advice as they can tell you if it’s safe for you and the right dose.
Next Steps
For short term, you can practice out loud (not just mentally), do some mock presentations, slow your breathing before starting and maybe focus on getting through it for now..
For long-term improvement, psychotherapy is really important. It helps address the core fear and thought patterns driving the anxiety, not just the symptoms. Working on this at the root makes the change more stable and lasting.
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