Most of us know the feeling of performance anxiety and stage fright to some degree. Our heartbeat quickens, our palms get sweaty, and maybe our mouths get dry. For some people, being on stage can cause a fear response that is a lot more intense than usual.
Stage fright is not commonly thought of as aphobia, despite its ability to nearly cripple performers of all types. Officially, however, it can be categorized as a subset ofglossophobia, or fear of public speaking, which is itself a type ofsocial phobia. Stage fright may arise suddenly or gradually and may be mild or severe.
No matter what your level of stage fright may be, there are ways to handle this condition. With therapy, time, and experience it is fully possible to overcome it.
Who Gets Stage Fright?
Anyone who performs on a public stage, from kids in school to professional actors, is potentially at risk for stage fright.
Hollywood lore is filled with tales of performers who have battled with this phobia, from Rod Stewart to Mel Gibson. One of the most famous and best-documented examples is Carol Burnett, who is alleged to have thrown up nightly before each show.
Why Do People Feel Compelled to Perform in Spite of Stage Fright?
The answer is simple. Performing is “in the blood.” Most performers cannot imagine not performing, as it is what they feel they were born to do. The love of the work is powerful enough to overcome the lack of stability, the endless rejections, and the early morning auditions. Stage fright is just another obstacle that must be handled in the pursuit of the dream.
How Stage Fright Looks Different Than Most Phobias
Stage fright tends to manifest somewhat differently than most phobias. Only rarely does the phobia actually impede the performer’s ability to work. Instead, it tends to appear during the time leading up to the audition or performance. Although each person’s reactions are unique, most cases of stage fright follow a reasonably predictable pattern.
The phobia generally begins weeks or months before the performance, often manifesting as low-levelgeneralized anxiety. If you have this condition, you may begin to feel hyperalert, jumpy and full of energy. As the date of the performance draws closer, the symptoms worsen. A few hours before showtime, you may experience more traditional phobia symptoms including gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting or diarrhea, irritability, mood swings, tremors, and heart palpitations.
When you take to the stage, though, your performer instincts take over. Most sufferers of stage fright report that they have few, if any, symptoms during the performance. You will likely play off the energy of your audience, allowing yourself to fully go into character and forget about your earlier distress.
Many performers experience a type of euphoria, similar to a runner’s high, both during and after a show. This rush of adrenaline may partly explain why the symptoms of stage fright so completely disappear when you actually confront the object of your phobia.
How to Handle Performance Anxiety as an Athlete
Coping With Stage Fright
Even though your performance may not be affected, it is important to find healthy ways of coping with stage fright.
Many performers turn to self-medication, with alcohol or drugs, to dull the pain. This is never a good choice for anyone because it can turn into a dangerous cycle and possible addiction for those who perform regularly.
Instead, consider trying these tips to help make your performance a little easier:
Treatment Options
Therapy can help you learn to replace these negative messages with more rational thoughts. You will also be taught relaxation exercisesthat you can do when the anxiety becomes overwhelming.
Stage fright is remarkably common, and many performers never seek help. With proper treatment, however, the condition can be successfully managed.
How to Manage Public Speaking Anxiety
2 Sources
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Studer R, Gomez P, Hildebrandt H, Arial M, Danuser B.Stage fright: its experience as a problem and coping with it.Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2011;84(7):761-771.Conquering stage fright| anxiety and depression association of america, adaa.
Studer R, Gomez P, Hildebrandt H, Arial M, Danuser B.Stage fright: its experience as a problem and coping with it.Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2011;84(7):761-771.
Conquering stage fright| anxiety and depression association of america, adaa.
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