You may have social anxiety disorder or GAD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

You can just make an appt. with your primary doctor and he can lean you toward a different doctor, or can treat you witt meds. I know someone with GAD and they take Lexipro for it and within weeks the anxiety went completely away. They were starting to not be able to go to work, or talk infront of groups of people b/c it got so bad...but Zoloft and Lexipro helps.

As far as your speech, I would tell your teacher that you have some anxiety issues that you are going to a doctor for Thursday night and that you would appreciate being excused from that speech until after your appt. The person I was talking about spoke to their boss and they were completely undertstanding...anyway, glad you are seeking help and I am sure you will feel relief after your appt. with the doctor.

Found this online:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder
(GAD)

The essential characteristic of Generalized Anxiety Disorder is excessive uncontrollable worry about everyday things. This constant worry affects daily functioning and can cause physical symptoms. GAD can occur with other anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, or substance abuse. GAD is often difficult to diagnose because it lacks some of the dramatic symptoms, such as unprovoked Panic Attacks, that are seen with other anxiety disorders; for a diagnosis to be made, worry must be present more days than not for at least 6 months.

The focus of GAD worry can shift, usually focusing on issues like job, finances, health of both self and family; but it can also include more mundane issues such as, chores, car repairs and being late for appointments. The intensity, duration and frequency of the worry are disproportionate to the issue and interferes with the sufferer's performance of tasks and ability to concentrate. Physical symptoms include:

* Muscle tension;
* Sweating;
* Nausea;
* Cold, clammy hands;
* Difficulty swallowing;
* Jumpiness
* Gastrointestinal discomfort or diarrhea;

Sufferers tend to be irritable and complain about feeling on edge, are easily tired and have trouble sleeping.

Of course I am no doctor, but this could be something your doctor talks to you about. And if you do suffer from this...you are going to get help and are looking in the right direction. Good Luck.