4,7 of 5 in 5000+ reviews
Thousands of clients trust Lavendla Therapy for delivering exceptional service and support.
Do you find it hard to give presentations, stand on stage or otherwise be the center of attention? Then you may be suffering from stage fright. Here we explain what it is and how you can get help.
What is stage fright?
Stage fright is a form of social phobia where a person feels an intense fear of performing or speaking in front of an audience. This is not only limited to traditional stage performances such as theatre or music performances, but can also apply to situations such as public speaking, presenting at school or work, or even participating in social events where the person feels like the centre of attention. It is a common problem, with 25% of the population avoiding situations where they need to speak in front of others. Stage fright can be limiting for those who have it, but help is available.
Why do people get stage fright?
Stage fright can be caused by psychological, biological and environmental factors. It may be because you have been criticized or are insecure, you may have had previous negative experiences, you may have made a mistake when you were on stage before. If you have low self-esteem, it can also affect but also perfectionism where you have an excessive fear of making mistakes affects. There may also be hereditary factors where environment and upbringing play a role. Many factors co-vary to the development.
According to Beyond Blue, 3 million Australians are living with anxiety. Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia. 1 in 4 people will experience anxiety at some stage in their life.
What set our therapist apart was her genuine empathy and personal insight. Not only did she possess a deep understanding of neurodiversity, but she also shared personal experiences that resonated with us, creating an instant connection and fostering a sense of trust!
Benedetta Osarenk
Our counsellors
Click here to view all psychologists, therapists, and coaches.
Symptoms of stage fright
There are certain things that you experience if you have symptoms of stage fright. They can be both physical and psychological and vary in severity, with some having only mild problems while others experience more severe symptoms. Here are some of the symptoms you may experience with stage fright:
- Physical symptoms: Trembling, sweating, heart palpitations, nausea, dry mouth, and sometimes an upset stomach or headache.
- Cognitive symptoms: Negative thoughts about performance, fear of making a fool of oneself, concern about negative judgment from others, and catastrophic thoughts.
- Behavioral symptoms: Avoiding situations where one has to perform or speak in front of others, or going through such situations with intense anxiety.
Stage fright can limit a person’s ability to perform or participate in social situations, so it’s good to seek help so that it doesn’t affect your life too much. Avoiding social situations in general, and not just during performances, can be a symptom of social anxiety. This is a broader anxiety disorder that can also be treated.
Treatment of stage fright
Treatment for stage fright often involves psychotherapy and sometimes medication. It is important to remember that treatment for stage fright is individual, and what works best can vary from person to person. Treatment for stage fright can vary in time depending on its severity, with milder symptoms requiring shorter treatment than more severe symptoms. At the start of treatment, an assessment is always made to see what might be most helpful.
Psychotherapy: Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective forms of therapy. It helps people understand their problem and how it developed. CBT also helps individuals to identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to the anxiety and to develop other approaches that lead to improved well-being.
Medication: Drug treatment can include the use of beta-blockers, which can act as anti-anxiety medication. They lower the heart rate by affecting the stress hormones that are released when you feel anxious, even though there is no real reason for the feeling.
A first step to seek help
If you recognize the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, it is a good idea to seek help. It is possible to improve your quality of life and we offer access to psychologists and therapists who are ready to support you through your journey. We make the hard things easier.
Book a meeting
Fill in the form, choose a counsellor and proceed to payment.
Why Lavendla?
Choose your own counsellor
Browse and select a counsellor based on reviews, area of focus, and education, ensuring you find the perfect match.
45, 60 or 90 min sessions
Choose a 45, 60, or 90-minute session, or a package, providing flexibility and control over the duration and intensity.
12 common questions and answers about stage fright
What is stage fright?
Stage fright is a form of social phobia where a person feels an intense fear at the thought of performing or speaking in front of an audience. This anxiety is not only limited to traditional stage performances such as theater or music performances, but can also apply to situations such as public speaking, presenting at school or work, or even participating in social events where the person feels like the center of attention.
How common is stage fright?
It is a common problem, with 25% of the population avoiding situations where they need to speak in front of others.
What causes stage fright?
Stage fright can be caused by an interaction of psychological, biological and environmental factors.
What are the symptoms of stage fright?
There are often physical symptoms such as shaking, sweating, heart palpitations, nausea, dry mouth, and sometimes stomach upset or headaches. Negative thoughts and fears are also common. People may start to avoid situations that cause anxiety.
What is the difference between stage fright and social phobia?
Social phobia is anxiety in social situations in general, not just during performances and presentations, although stage fright is part of social phobia.
Does everyone’s stage fright look the same?
Stage fright can differ between individuals, both in terms of severity – some have mild symptoms while others have severe ones – but also in terms of which situations are avoided. An individual assessment is made.
Can stage fright be treated?
Yes, it can be treated, you can go to therapy and sometimes you can also get medication.
What is cognitive behavioral therapy?
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based therapy that helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to anxiety.
Can medication help?
Yes, there are medications that can be helpful. You can talk to your doctor about it.
Can stage fright be cured?
It is possible to overcome stage fright if you get the right treatment and learn how to manage your symptoms and the feelings and thoughts they provoke.
Is stage fright dangerous?
Stage fright is not dangerous, although the symptoms can be distressing.
Where can I go if I need help?
Through our site, you can book an initial session with a qualified psychologist or therapist to describe your problems and start planning a treatment. We will help you make the difficult things easier.
Treating stage fright with cognitive behavioural therapy
This section explains how to treat stage fright using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Help is available and here you can get an idea of the treatment:
Assessment of symptoms
The first step is for a licensed psychologist or qualified therapist to help you evaluate your situation and history. You may also be asked to complete assessment forms.
Psychoeducation and objectives
You will learn about your anxiety and how it affects you both physically and psychologically. They work on analyzing situations and also set goals for treatment.
Tools for changing behaviors and patterns
You will work on identifying and changing thought patterns that are linked to your stage fright. Together with your therapist, you can work with different tools to overcome your problem. You will be given homework to practice between sessions.
Follow up and evaluate progress
You will be supported by your psychologist throughout the process. At the end of the treatment, you will also receive a plan to continue practicing and maintain your progress over time.
Feel free to book a first session with one of our licensed psychologists or therapists to see how we can help you. We make the hard things easier.
