[xnyan]

It sounds like you have an anxiety disorder. I do too! It's not a simple fix, but I've gotten huge value from therapy for my anxiety. CBT gave me fast and cheap results that really helped. Psychotherapy has given me a more long term solution, but CBT gave me a lot of relief in just weeks.

I don't want to push drugs, and you definitely need to talk to your doctor, but I take a beta blocker in situations like yours. The heart pounding, overwhelming terror just melts away and I become (more or less) my normal self. Just knowing that I CAN take a beta blocker (and get symptom relief) often means I don't need to take it in the first place.

Drugs or not, too much anxiety is a real condition and professional treatment vastly improved both my professional and personal life.

[amozoss]

Thanks for the response, I really appreciate it.

For the most part, I've learned to live with it, but it has greatly been amplified by these interviews lately.

I've also had it happen to me when I'm on business calls when I'm acting on behalf of the business to make a good impression.

And of course, public speaking, but I feel like that's pretty normal.

I like what you're saying though, just knowing there is a backup plan when things aren't going as planned, in and of itself is treatment.