Pretty embarrassed to admit this, but it is a major obstacle I have been trying to deal with on my own, and have not found and solid information out there that actually works for me.

I deal with clinical anxiety on an almost daily basis. I have been dealing with this for about 4 years now.

For some reason, out of the blue, I developed a nervous head shake during stressful bluffs at the poker table. Its a very rapid, subtle shake that I am not sure if people recognize or not, but it makes me extremely uncomfortable. It is usually when people stare me down after a bluff and I make eye contact with them. (Pathetic, I know)

Also, the immense pressure that I feel, and the uncomfortable feeling of trying to control my breathing, slow my heart rate, and trying to not look suspicious, all make me think that I lack a super fundamental element of this game that may be an obstacle that keeps me from accomplishing my goals.

I play a fair amount of poker, probably 20+ hours per week. I am a top player in my player pool, nothing to brag about though, very weak players.

I have been playing for years, so I don't think its something I am going to just get over without some sort of real advice.

I have done a ton of research, but I get very generic information that does not apply to my situation.

If anyone has experienced what I go through, or has any recommendations to advice, articles, books, techniques, etc. I would sincerely appreciate it.

TIA

Why do you think it is so hard to find solid information to your answer? It's because your asking a very difficult question. Why do you think 95% of poker players are losers? It's because it is extremely difficult to change a habit. Your goal is just to become a better poker player instead of a better person and you wonder why it is so difficult to change or why anybody even wants to bother answering your question.

bluffing is probably the most stressful part of the game (especially live)

honestly i have never found the breathing/meditation stuff to be helpful although im sure it can be. it never hurts to take deep breaths

my advice would be instead of trying to escape that kind of anxiety when it comes up, enter it and try to get comfortable in it. this has helped me with public speaking

think the situation through: the worst that can happen is that you get looked up and lose, thats no big deal, thats poker. if you are making the right bluffs (frequency, blockers, targeting regions of villains range) then you are doing the right thing, you are doing what you are soposed to be doing.

or you could mimic the same nod when you have a value hand

good luck

It is genetic; more emotional. What might help, is doing focus stuffs, anything, as it should make one more detached. For me it is natural or/and I do so much gaming, so I won't usually break and even if I do, I can pull it together more or less.

I have only some situations where I have more an anxiety problem than I think I should have, but I still manage it and I am improving there also, having taken many years. It is about the relativity of what it should cause in my emotions and so it is up to one's mind to learn.

At the poker table, there are two kinds of bluffs; those that are by the book, GTO, and it is reality checked also as the right opponent and moment, and then one just interestingly waits what the opponent does; it feels partly the same as when one is value betting but might get raised, but when bluffing, there is no tension of what to do, as the bullet is out already.

And then there are the bluffs that I think I might better do some of the time, as exploiting. With these latter ones, I am not as comfortable with, as they are not based on balanced bluffing, but even then, I just eat the bullet after the decision (the key word) has been made; no regrets at that point, as I made my mind, even if I can do better in the future.

Turn towards the fear. Be curious about how it feels especially in the body. Observe inwardly with a real curiousity.

That is all.

+1

Yea, I experience the same thing to where I haven't wanted to hold a job because of anxiety. I hear you man.

Sometimes if you play smaller stakes and play in spots where you're a little more comfortable. Like playing poker with your family might not give you that feeling as much as if you were playing against strangers for a lot of money maybe?

Try and see if there's different poker rooms that make you feel more comfortable.

I wish I had the answers man. I struggle with this really bad, so let me know if you've found anything to cope with it.