[5 Signs] You Might Be Suffering From Stage Fright (And What to Do About It)

Stage fright sometimes called performance anxiety is an intense form of anxiety that negatively impacts your ability to perform well in front of an audience. If you're suffering from stage fright and wondering how to get over it, consider these 5 common signs that you may be dealing with this type of fear: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

 1) Physical Symptoms

Physical symptoms of stage fright may include: -A pounding heart -Rapid breathing -Tingling or numbness in the hands, feet, arms and legs -Shaking or trembling -Dry mouth and throat -Sweating. Stage fright sufferers often feel unable to control their physical reactions. In extreme cases, it is possible for sufferers to pass out from a panic attack. 

The most effective treatment for this type of anxiety disorder is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with exposure therapy which will be discussed below.

 2) Mental Symptoms

It's not uncommon for performers to experience some form of stage fright. In fact, approximately 80% of people suffer from some degree of stage fright at one point or another. Knowing what stage fright is and how it manifests itself can help you identify and treat the issue if you're experiencing it.

Stage fright usually sets in when a person enters a new situation, like when they're performing on stage for the first time or when they are in a situation where they have never been before.

 3) Causes

Stage fright, or stage phobia, is a term for the intense fear of performing in front of an audience. The symptoms are so intense that they can cause nausea, shaking, and dizziness before going on stage. There are many different causes for stage fright. Some people may have a more general anxiety disorder, while others may have a medical condition such as hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid gland which can contribute to the onset of stage fright.

 4) Treatment

Stage fright affects people of all ages, but it's most common among teens and young adults. Common symptoms include a rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, clammy palms, nausea, dizziness or a feeling of faintness. If you're experiencing these symptoms before you perform in front of an audience--or anytime you're feeling anxious about being watched--there are steps you can take to help yourself feel more confident.

The first step is identifying the root cause for your anxiety. Is it fear of failure? A lack of self-confidence? Fear of being judged by others? Next, find out what will make you feel more comfortable on stage: speaking with someone who has had experience as a performer might be helpful; practicing before rehearsals or performances might give you confidence; vocal warm-ups can improve your voice quality.

 5) Prevention

Stage fright is something that anyone can suffer from, and it can be a debilitating condition. But there are many things you can do to prevent it from happening in the first place, as well as things you can do when it does happen. Here are five signs you might be suffering from stage fright and what you can do about them:

1. If your palms get sweaty or your heartbeat speeds up when you think about going on stage, then this could be a sign of stage fright.

 2. If you shake uncontrollably when you go onstage, this is also a symptom of stage fright. 

3. Nausea and stomach cramps are also common symptoms for those who suffer from this disorder, as well as feeling faint or lightheaded once they're onstage.

 4. Uncontrollable fear  are another indication that you may have stage fright. 

5. The final sign is if you find yourself panicking after going on stage, even if everything went great.

 Prevention: The best way to avoid developing a fear of performing onstage is by getting plenty of experience before ever having an audience watch you. Doing so will allow the performer to work out any kinks before the big show, but even if this isn't possible, there are other steps one can take.

 

 

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