Social phobia is another crippler of memory. When put in the spotlight, a person can become physically distressed, sometimes severely suffering by having anxiety or panic attacks. It is embarrassing to say the least. The confidence level drops dramatically, making it extremely hard to overcome this fear. But it is an irrational fear, and there is hope.
A determined person can be taught to overcome a phobia such as this by putting themselves in situations that allow for gradual building of confidence. Each small step towards recovery is a step towards a stronger self-esteem and opens the door to endless opportunities. Thus, the memory loss connected to such can eventually become something the person is able to joke about. This, in turn, can put others at ease, who have suffered the same set-backs, and give them hope and courage to laugh at their fear.
Anytime a person is put on the spot, it can cause temporary memory loss. Singing in front of a church congregation, however small, can make a person feel as though the whole world is watching and waiting for them to make a mistake. Giving an oral book report in class can terrify young children. Stage fright can cripple a potential acting career. It is possible that a person can overcome such paranoia with coaching and the willpower to succeed.
If you are faced with making an impression in a work environment, the embarrassment of forgetting a name could become the basis for teasing at your expense. Try some helpful word association. Learn to choose words that describe new people you meet to help you recall their names. An example would be “Silly Sally” or “Hyper Henry”. All it takes is some effort and tricks to strengthen your ability to remember. Practice and dedication are the keys. Eventually, what goes in will find it much easier to make its way back out!
