4,7 of 5 in 5000+ reviews
Thousands of clients trust Lavendla Therapy for delivering exceptional service and support.
Are you nervous about public speaking or being the centre of attention? You may be experiencing stage fright. In this article, we will explain stage fright and provide helpful tips for overcoming it.
What is stage fright?
Stage fright is a type of social phobia in which a person experiences an intense fear of performing or speaking in front of an audience. This fear is not limited to traditional stage performances like theatre or music. Still, it can also occur in 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 around 25% of the population avoiding situations where they need to speak in front of others due to this fear. Stage fright can limit a person’s potential, but there are ways to overcome it with the help of therapy and other resources.
Why do people get stage fright?
Psychological, biological, and environmental factors can cause stage fright. It may be because you have been criticized or are insecure, you may have had previous negative experiences, or you may have made a mistake while on stage. If you have low self-esteem, it can also affect perfectionism, which is an excessive fear of making mistakes. There may also be hereditary factors, such as environment and upbringing. Many factors play a role in its development.
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 may 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.
- Behavioural 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 your stage fright does not affect your daily functioning. 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 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 treatment. 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 anxiety and to develop other approaches that lead to improved well-being.
Medication: Drug treatment can include beta-blockers, which can act as anti-anxiety medications. They lower the heart rate by affecting the stress hormones released when you feel anxious, even though there is no real reason for the feeling.
The first step to seeking help
If you recognize the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, it is a good idea to seek help. Improving your quality of life is possible, 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 FAQs about Stage Fright
What is stage fright?
Stage fright is a form of social phobia in which a person feels an intense fear at the thought of performing or speaking in front of an audience. This anxiety is not limited to traditional stage performances such as theatre or music. It 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.
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?
An interaction of psychological, biological and environmental factors can cause stage fright.
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 in terms of severity—some have mild symptoms while others have severe ones—and 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 medication can help.
What is Cognitive Behavioural 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, some medications 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 proper 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?
You can book an initial session with a qualified psychologist or therapist to describe your problems and start planning a treatment through our site. 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:
1. Assessment of symptoms
The first step is for a psychologist or qualified therapist to help you evaluate your situation and history. You may also be asked to complete assessment forms.
2. Psychoeducation and objectives
You will learn about your anxiety and how it affects you both physically and psychologically. They work on analyzing situations and setting goals for treatment.
3. Tools for changing behaviours and patterns
You will work on identifying and changing thought patterns linked to your stage fright. You can work with your therapist with different tools to overcome your problem. You will be given homework to practice between sessions.
4. Follow up and evaluate progress.
Your psychologist will support you throughout the process. At the end of the treatment, you will also receive a plan to continue practising and maintain your progress over time.
Feel free to book a first session with a licensed psychologist or therapist to see how we can help you. We make the hard things easier.
