Paralyzing Fear of Teaching

I work as a Digital Art Instructor for my job, and recently we've started opening up workshops to the public. This Friday, I have to teach a class on how to draw chibi anime characters and I'm absolutely petrified. I can barely eat or sleep and feel like crying all the time. My imposter syndrome is killing me and I feel like such a fake artist who has no right to be teaching anyone. My boss obviously doesn't care and hasn't been too kind about it, which is whatever because it's not her problem, but it doesn’t help. I'm just so frustrated. I hate being like this. This is supposed to be so easy. I know comparing myself to other people doesn't help, but I just feel so useless. Why is everything so hard for me? I think the worst part is, even when it's over and done and I'm somehow able to function again, I know I'll have to go through it all over again next time. Not necessarily looking for anything, just venting. Kind words are appreciated or any recount of other people dealing with this would help make me feel less alone. Thanks.

Username: glücklichglücklich

Date posted: 19w ago

I’m really sorry you’re going thru this. Can I ask, is this something you’re passionate about? I’d imagine as an artist you are? If so, don’t let ocd take this away from you. Don’t let ocd keep you from living your life and don’t let it take meaningful experiences (way easier said than done, I know). Think of all the people that you’ll get into art by doing this. You’ll give someone a new medium to express themselves

Username: TiredBugTiredBug

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 19w ago

Thank you. I am very passionate about it. Honestly, I don't know where I'd be without being able to express myself through art. I hope I can provide some of that comfort to those I teach.

Username: Newerthannewb82Newerthannewb82

Date posted: 19w ago

You should be thankful your boss isn't reassuring you. I also get imposter syndrome though and reading this has helped.

Username: TiredBugTiredBug

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 19w ago

I'm glad you don't feel as alone anymore ❤️ This sucks, but it's nice to know I'm not the only one

Username: Newerthannewb82Newerthannewb82

Date posted: 19w ago

@TiredBug Obvs if your boss is genuinely not being helpful then try to do something about it. Maybe give him/her something brief on paper about the basics and then if they follow it say thank you. I've known bosses in the past that will google how to treat a staff member just to do their job well.

Username: OCDFamilyOCDFamily

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 19w ago

Can you focus on the students who love to draw but are scared to be in your class and have you maybe judging their work?

Username: TiredBugTiredBug

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 19w ago

That definitely could help, thank you

Username: ottercookiezzottercookiezz

Date posted: 12w ago

from my perspective and experiences after reading this, it seems like OCD likes to go for the features of our personality that we appreciate the most or think that makes us stand out from other people. it makes us think that we aren’t actually unique or different at all, and that it’s just fake and that nothing about you is special at all. but i know for sure you have a passion and a goal and deep down we know how we really are under all the doubt and anxiety. you have a creative talent and OCD tries to rip that identity from you, i know all too well. wishing you love and support❤️hope things have gotten better for you, and even if they still haven’t they will

Username: Klaire

Date posted: 4y ago

Just a quick anxiety episode: I just posted some hw for a psychology class and I think I did a pretty good job. Its been 5 yrs of college and I know my brain is burned out at this time & my expression has been okay at most. I dont ever care about 'likes' or replies but i looked to see how many people commented on my assignment. None. I posted my hw earlier & we all have to reply to 2 others in the class. Then i look over at another student's work and its nicely formated & neat. 4 replies. Suddenly, this anxiety kicks in....her's is better than mine......im not enough....my work is not enough......im not enough.....I know for SURE how to become a better writer. I know how to better my abilities, I know how they've included examples and the text and I know im stressed with finals but this feeling under my rib cage is soft but there. I think, just deep down inside.....whwn faced with my best or 90%, somehow, someway, i dont ever feel adequate.

Username: bigdreamstob...

Date posted: 1y ago

teachers with POCD

ppl who teach kids on here: any advice or tips? i feel like i’ve gained a certain amount of trust or acceptance for being there but there’s also this nagging sense of worry that i’m not taken seriously. or worse, they think i’m perverted. i try not to bring nervous energy around them but i’m a dance teacher so i notice a lot without trying. sometimes i can feel fine and comfortable, and other times i’m scared out of my mind to even go there. what can be done to relieve the anxiety other than “accepting uncertainty?” i want them to be safe and feel safe.

POCD

Username: vanmaja21

Date posted: 1y ago

A little frustrated.

So im 20 and I’m the assistant manager at my job, I constantly work with customers and I struggle with my role and a manager. I constantly feel like I’m less than and like I can never be good enough which is why I need constant reassurance. It replays in my head over and over like a broken record “you’re a failure” “not good enough” “you don’t deserve this role” to the point where I have to take a 10 to calm myself down. It’s exhausting, KNOWING I deserve this role but THINKING I’ll never be good enough. Anybody else struggle with this at work ?

Be a part of the largest OCD Community

Share your thoughts so the Community can respond

Paralyzing Fear of Teaching

Related posts

Be a part of the largest OCD Community

Be a part of the largest OCD Community