Nerves...? What can I take ?

I seem to be getting more nervous about things as i'm getting older and in certain situations that i know i'm perfectly competent in i'm awful. I've never been the most confident of people anyway but It's getting to the stage now where i'm wondering if taking something might help,
I'm thinking inparticular of a couple of shows Bea's entered in next week and i'm panicking about them already,We've done plenty of practice,i've showed dogs for years now and shouldn't be nervous but i get myself very worked up before hand and always have,I know they're looking at her mainly not me but i still go to pieces which she does pick up on,I've seen those Kalms advertised and wondered if they work,at the same time i want to be 'on the ball' so to speak,Does anyone take anything simular they can reccomend ?

Rather than taking stuff for this, why not work on your overall outlook?

What is the worst thing that can happen? Will anyone die? Will the results be beamed around the planet?

Have you read, Feel the Fear and do it Anyway by Susan Jeffers?

I would recommend it.

Failing that, you could look into NLP Neuro Linguistic Programming.

I always imagine everyone in the nude, it works for me!

My OH had a few weeks where the stress he was under began to take its toll. He refused to go to the docs (typical man eh!) so I went to the chemist and the Pharmacist recommended the Kalms. He was happy to take them because they were herbal and now swears by them. He just took them on a night, he found that afer a few good nights sleep he was able to cope better during the day. Only on two occasions did he feel the need to take any during the day and he said they just took the edge off his anxiety.

I agree with SB though that a longer term coping mechanism needs to be in place. The Kalms are ok for short term/emergency use.

I would actually recommend seeing a therapist or a counsellor if possible, potentially someone who specialises in CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). It will give you a chance to talk about your fears which will help a lot and if they specialise in CBT, they can give you ways to cope with your anxiety & manage it

I would avoid taking anything without first speaking to a doctor or therapist though because some drugs can do more harm than good.

I totally agree with the concept of changing you rather than looking for something to take the edge off it. I know several people who both smoke and drink apparently to calm their nerves but it doesn't work. Others swear by various herbal pills and potions but who knows if they are right or if its a placebo.

I don't think any of us here are qualified to dish out medical advice and this seems to be a medical problem so I think Magpyex is totally right; if this is causing you sufficient concern that you are seeking something to help then a trip to the doctor is in order.

I think rescue remedy is great...It works for me and I get very nervous during exams/ driving test... In the end passed both with flying colours.

kalms (valerian) are great

I tried Kalms and they worked for a while but I stopped taking them. I don't like tablets as one can become easily dependent on them like their the answer to everything.

Before you take anything recomended talk to your GP about them as they will be able to recomend the best course of action.


I get anxiety attacks especially when I was at work and become a nervous because of the way people spoke to me. It made me feel incompetent even though I was good at my job.

Id go home and worry that I hadn't checked the rota even though I had and jotted down my next shifts and triple checked them to ensure. It would make me nervous as they would call me up on my day off and say I was meant to be working that day even though id checked the rota before that day said I was off.

I found during the time I was taking Kalms they just werent working for me, I was taking the night ones as I coudlnt sleep propperly. If all else fails a nice long walk by the seaside works. I found walking helps to clear ones head and makes you fit too.

I agree with the above. Any pills would be masking the problem.
There are breathing and focus exercises I teach kids who suffer stage fright and they are very effective. Try a counsellor first?

I feel like this all the time Pippam. Walking doesn't really help me at all. Swimming does a bit cause I concentrate on my stroke. But a lot of the time I am anxious about making the least little mistake, especially at cadets, I'm worse there cause I am scared of making a safety mistake.