Joris Bartstra, journalist with medical diploma

Stress affects the whole body. If there is no correlation between complaints, this is a sign for doctors that stress is the binding factor. Usually that’s right. And you clearly have a stress-sensitive situation: standing in front of the class, which is very stressful.

But stress can also be caused by physical discomfort. It is therefore important to systematically investigate its cause. You can use a heartburn problem by trying a strong stomach acid blocker for a week. If that has no effect, then stomach acid is not the problem. You can have an otolaryngologist look at your vocal cords.

If that does not help either, you can look for it in relaxation exercises or in certain medicines, for example in a muscle relaxant such as xanax. It is addictive, so do not take it for a long time, but if the complaints disappear like snow in the sun, you know where you stand. The solution for your complaints then lies in a standard remedy for anxiety and depression (sertraline or citalopram) and/or psychotherapy.

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