World Beyblade Organization by Fighting Spirits Inc. Beyblade Discussion Beyblade Hobby Q&A

[Unanswered]  Question to Organizers: Anxiety

Apr. 25, 2020  2:26 AM
 
So this is a bit of an open-ended question as I just want to see what people may do for themselves, or if they suffer internally as I do. I have crippling anxiety, to the point I don't engage with the world. I exercise alone instead of at a gym and when I go outside for walking, running, or bike riding I only go after 11pm to make sure the world is silent and eyes are not upon me. This of course, clashes horribly with the concept of becoming an organizer. I really wouldn't mind hosting tournaments because I enjoy the game so much that I'm always down to play. However, because of this social anxiety I've lived with since my birth, I honestly don't think I could be a center of attention in the way an organizer is. I've only attended tournaments hosted by LazerBeamz and Roh'Bel and the responsibility upon them for the several hours is undeniable. Even during tournaments as just some individual in the crowd it's difficult to interact with others, but I do force myself out of a desire to interact with the community.

So, the real question comes down to.. Does anyone else suffer in this manner, and if so, what do you do to relieve this tension in your mind? It's one of the few obstacles I can not overcome through my own solutions.
Apr. 25, 2020  2:33 AM
 
(Apr. 25, 2020  2:26 AM)Mr. Palazzo Wrote: So this is a bit of an open-ended question as I just want to see what people may do for themselves, or if they suffer internally as I do. I have crippling anxiety, to the point I don't engage with the world. I exercise alone instead of at a gym and when I go outside for walking, running, or bike riding I only go after 11pm to make sure the world is silent and eyes are not upon me. This of course, clashes horribly with the concept of becoming an organizer. I really wouldn't mind hosting tournaments because I enjoy the game so much that I'm always down to play. However, because of this social anxiety I've lived with since my birth, I honestly don't think I could be a center of attention in the way an organizer is. I've only attended tournaments hosted by LazerBeamz and Roh'Bel and the responsibility upon them for the several hours is undeniable. Even during tournaments as just some individual in the crowd it's difficult to interact with others, but I do force myself out of a desire to interact with the community.

So, the real question comes down to.. Does anyone else suffer in this manner, and if so, what do you do to relieve this tension in your mind? It's one of the few obstacles I can not overcome through my own solutions.
I don’t have social anxiety at tournaments, but other places, yes. If I were you, I would start at the first tournament in a place away from people, running the tournament, then going to your matches, then every tournament, slowly be more interactive with everyone, until the point where you feel comfortable.

Hope this helps.
Apr. 25, 2020  2:35 AM
 
I used to stress about not the social part of tournaments but rather the difficulty of hosting one and running one. As someone who has now hosted two tournaments, I can say that doing the duties during a tournament is not that hard, however you are constantly having to work with the computer with Challonge, do your matches, and a few other bigger things. I think social wise, once you start engaging with other Bladers, people who have the same hobby as you, you kind of just lose any social anxiety, at least that is me.
Apr. 25, 2020  2:38 AM
 
The issue comes from essentially being bombarded with attention and questions non-stop during the tournament. Even if it were away from people, a tournament of 24 people alongside parents and guardians can easily end up being a 40 person event. It would be wrong to be dismissive to the people, as they're there to have a good time and I wouldn't want to destroy the vibe.

More toward Rob, but unfortunately I've even stopped playing card games such as Yugioh and Magic the Gathering in public settings, and those games are awesome. I just dropped almost 200 dollars for my Shaddoll Yugioh deck, but there's no way I'm going to go into a card store and play with people. Even when we have so much in common, the barrier never fades.
Apr. 25, 2020  2:43 AM
 
(Apr. 25, 2020  2:38 AM)Mr. Palazzo Wrote: The issue comes from essentially being bombarded with attention and questions non-stop during the tournament. Even if it were away from people, a tournament of 24 people alongside parents and guardians can easily end up being a 40 person event. It would be wrong to be dismissive to the people, as they're there to have a good time and I wouldn't want to destroy the vibe.
If you’d really like to avoid so many questions, you could make a handout answering common questions and stuff and give them out to the people when they join. DeceasedCrab has made a very good thread that has answers to parent’s common questions and stuff.
Apr. 25, 2020  4:08 AM
 
(Apr. 25, 2020  2:26 AM)Mr. Palazzo Wrote: So this is a bit of an open-ended question as I just want to see what people may do for themselves, or if they suffer internally as I do. I have crippling anxiety, to the point I don't engage with the world. I exercise alone instead of at a gym and when I go outside for walking, running, or bike riding I only go after 11pm to make sure the world is silent and eyes are not upon me. This of course, clashes horribly with the concept of becoming an organizer. I really wouldn't mind hosting tournaments because I enjoy the game so much that I'm always down to play. However, because of this social anxiety I've lived with since my birth, I honestly don't think I could be a center of attention in the way an organizer is. I've only attended tournaments hosted by LazerBeamz and Roh'Bel and the responsibility upon them for the several hours is undeniable. Even during tournaments as just some individual in the crowd it's difficult to interact with others, but I do force myself out of a desire to interact with the community.

So, the real question comes down to.. Does anyone else suffer in this manner, and if so, what do you do to relieve this tension in your mind? It's one of the few obstacles I can not overcome through my own solutions.

Hey Mr. Palazzo, I suffer from severe anxiety as well. Was recently out on disability for 6 months because it was so crippling, so I understand where you are coming from. 

In regards to tournaments, my advice would be to plan, plan, plan & have a support team. I had my wife, brother-in-law and step-father all assist me with my tournament. I had them help me deal with the people, judging, and set-up. It was easier to talk to them & let them know what I needed done so they could help relay that info to participants. Also planning is key. You’ll (hopefully) feel less anxious if you have everything planned out well before hand. Make check lists of your supplies you’ll need for tournament day. If possible set up chollenge in advance. Get to your location early with plenty of time to set up. Pick some place familiar and start with a smaller cap to avoid feeling over-whelmed. 

In regards to general advice: meditations apps are great. Do it daily, even when feeling good. Exercise. Talk to a psychologist & physiatrist. Sometimes there’s a chemical component. Nothing wrong with medications. No one would blame a diabetic for taking insulin. Anxiety is a medical issue too. 

I hope it all works out for you. If you love Beyblade, which it sounds like you do, don’t let your anxiety stop you from hosting. It might not be easy but good things rarely are.
Apr. 25, 2020  5:13 AM
 
I’ve never really had anxiety at a tournament before. (Except for dealing with extreme parents.) Dealing with parents isn’t much of a problem. It’s always good to have another person(s) there with you to back you up. I’ve had an ongoing issue with another member who I constantly see at tournaments threatening me online for no reason. Again, this isn’t much of a problem. If that happens, stay away from them and maybe get a member to help out. Pretty much all the players are nice and playing/hosting isn’t as scary as it seems.