Help with performance anxiety?

[Rolay]

Hi, so I'm in high school and have diagnosed Panic disorder and General anxiety disorder, and I'm normally really good with speaking in public or presenting in class, but I'm really anxious about my school's musical. I was briefly in 2 musicals before hand, once in middle school and once last year, and both I had to quit because of the stress and anxiety from it. The one I was in last year I was only at 2 rehearsals before I had to quit because we were doing a bunch of musical songs and I didn't know most of them, and no one I knew was in my vocal section so I began having a panic attack. I had to get up and leave, and after that I formally sent an email saying I had another commitment that came up as an excuse.
I really want to do this years musical, and it's going to be the Wizard of Oz, so it's more likely that I can be near my friends and not in sections like that, and I know most of the songs from the wizard of Oz, but still I'm worried about it. My audition last year was really bad, and I only got in because they let everyone in. I'm worried I'll be rejected or unable to fit everyone's standards even if I only get in as a munchkin. Most of my friends are auditioning, but even still I worry I'll be alone. I know I would be fine on stage, I always have been, but rehearsals scare me. What can I do? I want to make my high school experience the best I can, and participating in stuff like musicals is on my list.

[Nowuccas]

Hey Rolay,

Practise it in front of a mirror, until you are proficient, then again in front of friends, or family.

Immediately prior to the appointed time, visualise yourself, as vividly as possible, performing well in delivering your performance.

Check out Amazon.com, BarnesAndNoble.com or your bookstore for some of the following:

The Performer's Companion: Conquering Performance AnxietyOct 9, 2014
by Sharon L Stohrer and Diana McCullough
Paperback

Fight Your Fear and Win: Seven Skills for Performing Your Best Under Pressure--At Work, In Sports, On StageFeb 12, 2002
by Dr. Don Greene
Paperback

Performance Anxiety Cure: How To Overcome Performance Anxiety And Stage Fright In All Aspects Of Life Forever (anxiety recovery, panic…Jul 20, 2015
by Larry Underhill
Kindle Edition

Mastering Stage Fright: How To Overcome Your Stage Fright And Conquer Performance Anxiety (Fear of Public Speaking, Perform,…Jun 10, 2014
by Stephen Bryant
Kindle Edition

Hypnosis is merely a heightened state of suggestibility, in which you are better able to communicate with your subconscious mind; view http://myfavoriteinterests.com/hypnosis/ about what it is, and isn't.

85% of people are suggestible to some degree; 15% - 20% highly so, and 15% - 20% aren't much at all, so you could either preferably seek professional hypnotherapy, or, if not an option, hypnosisdownloads.com has:

Overcome performance anxiety - sports, acting, singing ...
&
Musicians and singers overcome performance anxiety ...

------------------------------------------------------

In your case, I suggest renting the film and watching it several times, singing along to them all until you know them off by heart.

Perhaps get together with some friends and perform it together, so you will all be more relaxed and familiar when the time comes; you'll feel more comfortable, having experienced a simulation or so.

------------------------------------------------------

Other relevant posts:

ANXIETY or PANIC ATTACKS: http://anxietyforum.net/forum/showthread.php?34755-Panic-attacks-that-last-for-hours

HERBAL ANXIOLYTICS / ANTI-ANXIETY PRODUCTS: (passionflower, valerian, St. John's Wort, etc.) http://anxietyforum.net/forum/showthread.php?34269-5-Powerful-Tools-You-Probably-Haven-t-Tried-Yet&p=225415#post225415

NON HERBAL NATURAL (NON PHARMACEUTICAL) ANXIOLTYICS: (5-htp, etc.) http://anxietyforum.net/forum/showthread.php?34355-Help-Please!!!/page2

http://www.wikihow.com/Erase-Anxiety-Naturally-with-Herbs

LAST DAY FREE OFFER: http://anxietyforum.net/forum/showthread.php?35224-30-day-free-trial-of-natural-RediCalm-being-offered-for-anxiety-expires-soon!

[tlonist]

Beta blockers are the most common drug used for performance anxiety. They calm you without clouding your head up.

Many people take for public speaking, perfromances, etc.

[Kirk]

I agree with tionist.

[PracticalGrit617]

Hello Rolay!
I used to be anxious about rehearsals as well, and totally fine on stage like you. What worked for me was being honest with people about my anxiety. And it still works today! The key is to have courage, despite the anxiety. Your knees may be shaking before the audition, but I encourage you to walk into it thinking, "I'm going to have fun with this no matter the outcome!" It's tough when our friends aren't on stage with us, but challenge yourself to make new friends. One way is to practice lines with your scene partners outside of class. You can even invite your regular friends along. I also encourage you to just push through the fear of being rejected. You said yourself that you've made parts, but quit because of a panic attack. So, were you rejected? No. Did you fail? No. But you did allow fear to get the better of you. I would also encourage you to be honest with the director or teacher in charge. They usually have stage experience and may be able to encourage you with their own perspectives. They can also hold you accountable so that when you get a part, you keep it :) Please let us know how things are going as time progresses. We're here to cheer you on!