Ever walk into a room and instantly feel like all eyes are on you — where you sit, how you sit, whether people are judging you? Your chest tightens, your mind goes blank, and suddenly, speaking up feels impossible. That’s social anxiety. And if you’ve ever felt stuck behind that invisible wall, this episode is for you.

In this special Q&A episode, Jessica Davis (licensed therapist and creator of the C.O.U.R.A.G.E. Method) answers three powerful listener questions about fear, judgment, and speaking up when anxiety takes over. You’ll learn what’s actually happening in your brain during these moments, how to calm your body when panic sets in, and why courage — not confidence — is what helps you break free.

✨ In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How to handle the fear of being judged every time you speak up or participate in class
• Micro-courage: the small steps that retrain your brain to feel safe in social moments
• What to do when presentations trigger full-body panic (and how to reframe nerves into energy)
• Simple grounding tools to help you stay calm when anxiety spikes
• The truth about control: why you don’t need to control anxiety to take control of your life
• The single question that helps you take back your power: What’s one thing fear doesn’t get to decide today?

💬 Listener Q&A:
1️⃣ How do I deal with the fear of being judged?
2️⃣ How do I calm down before and during presentations?
3️⃣ How do I stop anxiety from running my life?

💡 Key Takeaway:
Confidence doesn’t come from being fearless — it comes from choosing courage when fear is loud.

Got a question or feedback? Text us and share your thoughts—we’d love to hear from you!

RESOURCES:
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🎙️ Presented by Davis-Smith Mental Health

This podcast was created by Davis-Smith Mental Health, offering counseling for teens & young adults in Illinois (only). We accept BCBS PPO, Aetna PPO, and self-pay clients.

⚠️ Disclaimer: Block Out the Noise provides personal insights and practical strategies to help manage anxiety and self-doubt. The content is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional mental health care, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a crisis or need immediate assistance, please contact emergency services or a trusted mental health professional immediately.