Hi Annie!
My name is Samantha. I am a remarried mother of three. (ages 2,11,13)I have been playing hold ‘em for about 10 months now. I live 30 minutes from Chicago, in a small town. I play in a tournament every week with about 50 guys. I have done pretty good making it to the final table 70% of the time (taken first at least once a month) The reason for my email? I have MAJOR panic attacks before I get to the table. From the time I get home from work until I sit at the table. I am throwing up and everything! As soon as the cards are in the air, I’m solid. After reading your book, I know that you have similar problems. (mine also happening more than on poker night-anytime I am put on the spot). There are alot of casinos around here and everyone tells me I should play there, but, I don’t know if I can handle my nerves. I know I have potential. I study the game, I watch it, read, and play online everyday. I am starting to branch out into other games, Omaha hi-low and stud. I just feel like I am stuck until I can get this under control. Do you have any advice for me?
Thank you for taking the time to read this!!!
P.S.—-You’re my hero!!:)The greatest!!
Hi Samantha!
I truly feel for you especially since I have had similar issues so I know exactly what that feels like. On my way to my first WSOP final table I threw up in a trashcan and just thought I was going to die! Like you, once I start playing all those feelings go away as I am completely enrapt in the game.
The thing is that when you get in the game you are distracted from your own feelings because of the intensity of thought that goes into poker. That is why the panic subsides when you are playing. The fact is that dealing with panic is all about 1) strategies to get yourself out of the attack and 2) molding your thinking to reverse ways you think that can exacerbate the panic.
When I was really recovering from the panic disorder I had a great book
recommended to me called FEELING GOOD by David Burns. I can’t recommend it more highly and would suggest you try it out. Check it out here.
Hope that helps and keep up the good work in poker. We need more great female players!
Xo
Annie
