Today I tried the beta-blockers to see how it would effect me. I thought today would be a good test to see if they work because Heather and I had a meeting with a client today. In past meetings I have always started to sweat profusely for no apparent reason. Today was no exception. Even after using the beta-blockers I still started to sweat. As usual, I worked through it even though I felt like running out of the meeting. Immediately after the meeting I called the doctor to say the drugs weren’t working. He said to try upping the dosage slightly. Tomorrow I will definitely try that since I will be performing again.
I still can’t figure it out. I’ve been performing in front of people for most of my life. Yes, I still get nervous but nothing to sweat over. There have been many times that I have performed and have been completely fine. Then there are those times - like that Japanese car commercial I shot two years ago, that I sweat right through the wardrobe (although it was 95 degrees and I was dressed in a suit). This is something I definitely have to beat.
I sweet quite a bit when im in front of ppl too. Its usually when im nervous and being critiqued by people. My heart rate goes up and im fairly tense. although, when I’m teaching TKD, I’m not concern what people think about me, I’m relax and do what i know I do best. I go through what I need to do, focus on the task.
You just need to deal with your fears. Those drugs may cover up your sweating, but you need to deal with the cause. You should read “The Power of Your Subconscious Mind” by Joseph Murphy. Put yourself in more of these situations so that you can train yourself how to respond. It’s all about the mind.
Keep on taking the beta blockers, and practicing your relaxation exercices. I`m a singer and will start taking them as well. And trust me my friend, it is not a question of confronting your fears. What happens is that your automatic nervous system gets overdriven. It`s the fight or flight response. The idea is to find a way to reduce its impact when it gets triggered by the fear of performance. I believe that the beta blockers help doing that. The breathing exercices help to activate your parasympatetic nervous system. Just before the performance, it is important to do the breathing exercice. In fact, it`s good to practice them everyday so they become second nature. Don`t guve up, I admire your drive and honesty.You are already a star!
Chiu-Man,
Ever see the movie, “Airplane!” when Robert Hays is in the cockpit and sweat is pouring down his face in ridiculous amounts???
Well, that’s me. Imagine having ALL of your sweat glands located on your forehead (nope, not the armpits, the brow!)
Sheesh! Pretend to not notice that!
Usu. it kicks in cuz I’m running in late to call or from the parking lot or from somewhere …
But it SHOWS and keeps doing it for a while after I’m ready-to-roll, calmed down, etc.
People are like, “Are you okay? Why are you so sweaty?”
There was an old commercial for an anti-perspirant that had the tagline: “Never let them see you sweat!”
Oh well …
Chris out.
i sweat so much that everyone around my town knows me as the sweaty guy. im not unfit or overweight but sweat as soon as i leave the house all day everyday. there is no answer but to run and hide, can anyone help?
I am very inspired by you!! I too suffer from hyperhydrosis, I sweat at the drop of a hat. Tonight, feeling extremely nervous, I jumped on the open mic at a coffee shop, to tell them I was getting off my anti-depressants, and just to practice and talk. Of course, I started sweating, but I wasnt rejected and felt good about it, even though I was sweaty and slightly embarressed. I am not going to beat myself up for a condition I have no control over.
Its so nice to hear your stories and the other postings here. The fact that you are facing your fears and living your dream is an INCREDIBLE inspiration to me.
I have a prescription for Beta blockers that I am going to start taking. Have you considered ETS Surgery? I have, but I heard it is not very effective for facial sweating.
Keep on doing what you do!
JRE
Thanks for your comments JR!
Surgery seems a little drastic for me at this point. Right now I’m just trying relaxation, meditation, focus and confidence. I know with practice I’ll be able to control this condition. but it is frustrating at times. I do seem to be making some progress though. My acting coaches always said to put the attention off myself and onto my partner. The more I practice this, even in daily life, the more I seem to be able to control the sweating. My worst fear though, is getting the opportunity to be interviewed by Jay Leno or somebody else and sweating uncontrollably. Well, can’t worry about that now.