If you’ve ever experienced stage fright, you know how unpleasant it can be. Nerves, anxiety and fear may be some of the sensations you feel before going on stage. Even stage fright can make you doubt your ability to perform in front of an audience. “These reactions that block you occur at a physiological, cognitive and behavioral level, and are grouped into what is technically called ‘specific social phobia’ or what we commonly call ‘stage fear’ says psychologist Rubén Suárez.
Taking this context into account, stage fright could be defined as an irrational fear of speaking or acting in public. This sensation can manifest itself in different ways, from excessive sweating and trembling to difficulty breathing and intrusive thoughts. “Altered heart rhythm, copious sweating or urinary urgency” are some of the physiological symptoms of stage fear or panic, as reported by the Bonanova Medical Psychological Center of Barcelona. Other behavioral symptoms manifest themselves with “stuttering, low voice volume, automatic behaviors or verbal abuse,” they say.
Stage fright can appear due to a combination of various factors, both physical and psychological. Now, the mind plays a determining role in stage fright. Anxiety occurs when we face an unknown or threatening situation, and the fear of acting in public is precisely a source of stress and anxiety. Additionally, social pressure and fear of failure can increase anxiety levels.
The first and most important thing is that you go to a professional who will evaluate your case and help you in the most personalized way possible. In addition, there are several techniques that you can carry out to remedy it, such as relaxation or communication with the people around you.
