Performance Monitoring Anxiety: Understanding The Fear Of Being Watched

Performance monitoring anxiety is a form of social anxiety disorder (SAD) characterised by the fear of social situations. Performance anxiety is the term given to outsized feelings of fear, nervousness and dread that surround completing specific tasks, also known as stage fright. While stage fright is commonly associated with actors, dancers and singers, performance anxiety can occur in any situation where an individual feels scrutinised or pressured to succeed. This could include public speaking, sporting events, sex, work presentations or even socialising. Performance anxiety can be beneficial up to a point, triggering a fight or flight response that makes us more alert and ready to respond. However, when these feelings become overwhelming, they can prevent us from pursuing our passions or careers.

Emotional symptoms

Performance monitoring anxiety, or performance anxiety, is a common issue that affects many people. It is a set of emotions that can be beneficial to a point, triggering a "fight or flight" response that prepares the body for potential danger. However, when these feelings become too strong, they can negatively impact an individual's quality of life and career.

• Persistent thoughts of fear of failure
• Mentally playing out negative outcomes
• A feeling of loss of control
• Irritability and easy outbursts
• "Freezing" in the middle of the performance
• Giving up ("choking") at the last moment
• Dreading the performance
• Worrying endlessly
• Becoming withdrawn
• Fear of rejection and how failure might impact the future
• Self-doubt
• Negative thought patterns, such as excessive self-criticism, unrealistic expectations, and a heightened focus on failure
• Lack of confidence
• Embarrassment

It is important to note that performance anxiety is a treatable condition. If you or someone you know is struggling with performance monitoring anxiety, seeking professional help is recommended.

Cognitive symptoms

• A heightened state of alertness, which can be beneficial up to a certain point, but can also be detrimental if it becomes too intense.
• A "fight or flight" response, which can be triggered by the amygdala and lead to physical symptoms such as a racing pulse, dry mouth, and sweating.
• Increased heart rate, which can be caused by the release of adrenaline.
• Feelings of fear, nervousness, and dread.
• Worry about specific tasks or situations.
• Persistent thoughts of fear of failure.
• Mentally playing out negative outcomes.
• A feeling of loss of control.
• Irritability and easy outbursts.
• "Freezing" or "choking" during a performance.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Impaired attention control.
• Attentional bias for threat.
• Impaired cognitive performance.
• Impaired executive function.
• Impaired decision-making ability.
• Impaired spatial navigation.

Physical symptoms

Performance monitoring anxiety, or performance anxiety, is the fear of not being able to accomplish something specific, causing emotional distress and physical symptoms. It is often referred to as "stage fright", but it can occur in a variety of situations, such as public speaking, athletic competitions, sexual performance, and work presentations.

Performance anxiety can manifest in various physical ways, including:

• Increased heart rate: A person with performance anxiety may experience a racing pulse and a pounding heart, which can be a result of the adrenaline released by the body in response to perceived danger.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness: The anxiety can lead to feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness, which may be due to a decrease in blood pressure or blood sugar levels.
• Shortness of breath: It is common for individuals with performance anxiety to have difficulty breathing or feel like there is something heavy on their chest, making it hard to take deep breaths.
• Trembling: The body's stress response can cause trembling hands and voice, making it challenging to perform tasks that require fine motor skills or clear speech.
• Sweating: Excessive sweating is a typical reaction to anxiety, as the body tries to cool down in response to the perceived threat.
• Dry mouth: Performance anxiety can lead to a dry mouth, making it difficult to speak or perform certain physical activities.
• Nausea: Feelings of sickness or even vomiting may occur due to the body's stress response.
• Muscle tension: Anxiety can cause muscle soreness and tension, particularly in the face, neck, shoulders, and head, leading to headaches.
• Chest tightness: Some individuals may experience discomfort in their chest, making it difficult to breathe deeply or feel at ease.
• Fatigue: Performance anxiety can result in feelings of weakness and general fatigue, making it challenging to engage in physical or mentally demanding tasks.

It is important to note that the physical symptoms of performance monitoring anxiety can vary from person to person and may be mild or severe. These symptoms can be managed and treated through various techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and seeking professional help from a qualified mental health provider.

Behavioural symptoms

Performance monitoring anxiety, also known as "stage fright", is a common mental health concern that can be extremely limiting to those who experience it. It is characterised by an outsized stress response when an individual is put on the spot or feels scrutinised. While it is natural to feel nervous before a performance, those with performance anxiety may experience a range of behavioural symptoms, including:

• Avoiding situations that trigger anxiety
• Withdrawing from social interactions
• Displaying impaired performance
• Strained relationships with colleagues, friends, and family members
• Appearing distant and uncooperative, leading to further social isolation and increased pressure

Performance anxiety can be managed through various treatments, including pre-performance rituals, deep breathing, positive visualisation, talking therapies, and medication.

Interpersonal consequences

Performance monitoring anxiety can have a negative impact on an individual's relationships with their colleagues, friends, and family members. Those suffering from performance monitoring anxiety may seem distant and uncooperative, leading to further social isolation and increased pressure. This can also lead to a negative feedback loop, where the anticipation of performance increases anxiety, which in turn negatively affects the individual's ability to focus on tasks, further straining their relationships.

Frequently asked questions