Performance anxiety is incredibly common and estimates suggest anywhere from 30 to 60% of athletes experience it. Diagnosis and treatment of these conditions require compassion, trust, and expert management. If you think you may have performance anxiety, call or book an appointment online with one of our providers today.

PERFORMANCE ANXIETY

Physical Signs of Performance Anxiety

  • Tremors. Maybe your hands shake when you’re holding a tennis racket, or your foot twitches when you need to stand still.

  • Racing heart. Hormones like adrenaline and cortisol can make your heart beat faster.

  • Hyperventilation. You might feel as if you’re choking or can’t catch your breath.

  • Muscle tension. Your muscles may feel so tight they become painful, and you might also notice tension and pain in your head.

What are Performance Anxiety Symptoms?

Performance anxiety may manifest through a variety of different symptoms, some of which include the following:​

  • Intense fear of failure. When you imagine losing, your mind may leap to the worst-case scenario. You might worry about letting your team down or others laughing at you.

  • Disrupted focus. You might have trouble concentrating on the game, instead getting absorbed in how others react to your performance.

  • Overthinking. You may temporarily “forget” how to do actions you used to do automatically, like swinging a baseball bat or catching a ball.

  • Reduced self-confidence. You could start doubting your abilities and wonder whether you can really win.

LMH Performance Anxiety Treatment

Dr. Hoes designs a customized treatment plan to help identify the root cause of performance anxiety and control anxiety symptoms. A personal plan may include:​

  • Anti-anxiety medications

  • Antidepressant medications

  • Lifestyle changes

  • Psychotherapy​

For an expert evaluation of your anxiety, call or book an appointment online with Latitude Mental Health today.