Severe performance anxiety

Argamemnon

Argamemnon

Well-known member
This is what causes me to suffer most (for example at work/school). It is like fearing death, almost as if I'm about to be beheaded.
 
C

chris87

Well-known member
I'm assuming when you mention school, you're referring to test anxiety. I have horrible test anxiety. I had to take a quiz in statistics this afternoon, and I got so nervous. I couldn't remember how to do one of the problems, even though I had practiced. As soon as I left the classroom, I remembered how to do it. It makes me so upset, and I end up feeling so depressed when I mess up on something that I've studied sufficiently.
 
theblank

theblank

Well-known member
Argamemnon said:
It is like fearing death, almost as if I'm about to be beheaded.
Click to expand...

Then you need to stay away from radical muslims lol!

Seriously, I have had performance anxiety my entire life and yet have made my living as a performer for the last 15 years. Some days are better than others, but I almost always feel tremendous fear when the pressure is on and all eyes are upon me. The only way I can survive this ridiculous, unnatural behavior I engage in, is to hide behind a mask or a character. Without this defense I am a total goober. With it I do okay, but still have some extremely awkward and embarrassing moments.

Maybe you should try assuming the character of someone who believes in himself, is confident, thinks positive thoughts and doesn't dwell on the negative? And since Halloween is right around the corner, maybe you could wear a costume of someone you wish you could be like and walk around for the entire day without breaking character?

I've never actually seen this movie, but you might want to try being like this guy: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0124819/
 
Argamemnon

Argamemnon

Well-known member
theblank said:
Maybe you should try assuming the character of someone who believes in himself, is confident, thinks positive thoughts and doesn't dwell on the negative? And since Halloween is right around the corner, maybe you could wear a costume of someone you wish you could be like and walk around for the entire day without breaking character?

I've never actually seen this movie, but you might want to try being like this guy: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0124819/
Click to expand...
Halloween? Well, I'm not American and don't live in America :)
 
dpr

dpr

Well-known member
theblank said:
Argamemnon said:
It is like fearing death, almost as if I'm about to be beheaded.
Click to expand...

Then you need to stay away from radical muslims lol!

Seriously, I have had performance anxiety my entire life and yet have made my living as a performer for the last 15 years. Some days are better than others, but I almost always feel tremendous fear when the pressure is on and all eyes are upon me. The only way I can survive this ridiculous, unnatural behavior I engage in, is to hide behind a mask or a character. Without this defense I am a total goober. With it I do okay, but still have some extremely awkward and embarrassing moments.

Maybe you should try assuming the character of someone who believes in himself, is confident, thinks positive thoughts and doesn't dwell on the negative? And since Halloween is right around the corner, maybe you could wear a costume of someone you wish you could be like and walk around for the entire day without breaking character?

I've never actually seen this movie, but you might want to try being like this guy: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0124819/
Click to expand...

great movie, btw!
 
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