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What is performance anxiety? -

Performance anxiety is the fear of doing something in front of a group of people. People with performance anxiety may believe failure will result in humiliation or rejection.

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What is performance anxiety? -

For many, having some anxiety before a presentation at work or before a football game is a normal experience, but for others, the worry can be overwhelming and debilitating.

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Performance anxiety and stage fright -

You may have heard performance anxiety be called stage fright, which occurs when someone is faced with the task of performing in front of an audience.

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Who gets performance anxiety? -

Performance anxiety can impact anyone and everyone of all genders and ages. It can begin suddenly or build gradually over time.

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When does someone experience performance anxiety? -

Performance anxiety can be a one-time occurrence, or it can happen multiple times, especially if left untreated.

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Symptoms -

Performance anxiety symptoms can vary from person to person. Symptoms may change in severity and include cognitive, physical, emotional, and motor changes.

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Symptoms -

People suffering from performance anxiety may experience increased heart rate, tremors, dizziness, an unsettled stomach, and a feeling of loss of control.

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What causes performance anxiety? -

Performance anxiety can trigger the fight or flight response that your body experiences when it perceives danger. Adrenaline is released to help you prepare for a stressful or dangerous situation, causing an increase in heart rate and feeling lightheaded.

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Types of performance anxiety: athletic -

Athletic or sports performance anxiety is sometimes referred to as "choking" and is the fear or worry related to athletic training or competition. 

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Athletic performance anxiety -

Taryn Kloth, a highly decorated beach volleyball player, has opened up about her struggles with performance anxiety. To overcome it, she focuses on staying present and finding joy in the moment instead of succumbing to anxiety.

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Causes of athletic performance anxiety -

Amateur athletes are more likely to experience performance anxiety than seasoned professionals. This is typically due to a lack of experience in competition.

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Causes of athletic performance anxiety -

Athletes who participate in individual sports are more likely to experience performance anxiety than those who play team sports, as being part of a team can alleviate some of the pressure felt during competition.

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Causes of athletic performance anxiety -

Performance anxiety levels tend to be higher for teams who play at the venue of the opposition. 

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How to thrive under pressure -

Athletes confident in their ability can manage emotions associated with being "pumped up" before a competition, interpreting the adrenaline rush as excitement rather than anxiety.

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Types of performance anxiety: test-taking -

Performance anxiety about exams is when a person has a fear or worry related to taking tests or being able to perform well on tests.

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Types of performance anxiety: stage fright -

Stage fright is often experienced by people who perform on stage, such as musicians, actors, and dancers. 

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Types of performance anxiety: stage fright -

Stage fright is considered a phobia, known as glossophobia, or the fear of public speaking.

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Glossophobia -

Glossophobia is a social phobia or social anxiety disorder, which can get worse over time if not treated and interferes with the ability to function in some circumstances.

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Types of performance anxiety: interview -

If you have interview anxiety, you may experience fear or worry about interviewing for a job. Interview anxiety can negatively impact performance and hiring decisions.

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Other types of performance anxiety -

Performance anxiety is not limited to stage fright, interview anxiety, athletic performance anxiety, or test-taking anxiety; it can be related to the ability to perform any activity, such as being afraid or worried about failing at activities in the classroom.

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Diagnosis -

Psychologists, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals can diagnose performance anxiety by assessing symptoms and circumstances.

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Prevention -

Preparing before an event can prevent performance anxiety. Preparation can include practicing, training, or rehearsing.

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Prevention -

Preparation before an event may also include deep breathing, meditation, and avoiding caffeine on the day of the performance. 

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Treatment: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) -

CBT is an effective psychotherapy for anxiety disorders. It aims to identify and change thought and behavior patterns to develop more effective ways of coping.

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Treatment: counseling -

Counseling is a talk therapy used to help people find strategies to overcome challenges and improve their well-being.

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Treatment: medication -

Social anxiety disorders are often treated with medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

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Coping strategies -

Pre-performance rituals, deep breathing, and visualization are all handy coping strategies that can help people overcome performance anxiety.

Sources: (Verywell Health) (Mindbodygreen)

See also: Anti-anxiety diet? Understand how food impacts your mental health

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