From Past Trauma to Stage Fright: How Unresolved Emotions Can Fuel Performance Anxiety for Musicians and Songwriters
Being new to Middle Tennessee and getting to know my new home that is Music City, I have been eager to talk about stage fright and performance anxiety, as I have successfully worked with athletes and performers of all kinds over the years to tackle this issue.
Many musicians, songwriters, and performers are no strangers to stage fright or performance anxiety. While nerves before a performance can be normal, for some, the fear of being in the spotlight can feel paralyzing. What many don't realize is that performance anxiety often stems from deeper emotional roots, including past trauma. Unresolved trauma and the emotions surrounding it can manifest in unexpected ways, and for performers, this can translate into anxiety on stage or even in the creative process. In this blog post, we'll explore how past trauma can fuel performance anxiety and offer insights on how to manage these feelings.
The Link Between Trauma and Performance Anxiety: Trauma has a profound impact on both the mind and body. When someone experiences a traumatic event, the brain’s ability to regulate stress and emotions can be disrupted. This can lead to lingering anxiety, fear, and self-doubt, which can surface during high-stress situations—like stepping onto a stage or sharing personal music with an audience.
For musicians and songwriters, performance anxiety is often a byproduct of these unresolved emotional wounds. Whether the trauma was related to childhood abuse, neglect, bullying, or other forms of adversity, the fear of judgment, failure, or vulnerability may be heightened in performance settings. The pressure to "be perfect" or meet external expectations can trigger the same feelings of fear or shame that were present during the original trauma.
How Past Trauma Manifests in Performance Anxiety:
Fear of Judgment or Criticism: Trauma survivors often carry a deep fear of being judged or rejected. This can be especially true for performers, who put themselves in front of an audience and risk exposing their vulnerabilities. The pressure to be flawless or to live up to others' expectations can trigger feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt rooted in past trauma. The fear of negative feedback may amplify performance anxiety, causing musicians to feel like they're constantly under a microscope.
Emotional Triggers on Stage: Performing can bring up intense emotions for musicians and songwriters, especially when the content of their music is personal or reflective of their own life experiences. If a song or performance touches on themes related to their trauma, it can trigger unresolved emotions, such as fear, shame, or sadness. This emotional flood can make it difficult to stay grounded, leading to heightened anxiety or even dissociation during performances.
Perfectionism as a Coping Mechanism: Many trauma survivors develop perfectionistic tendencies as a way to cope with the chaos or lack of control they felt during their traumatic experiences. For musicians, this can mean an intense pressure to deliver a flawless performance every time, with any perceived mistake feeling like a failure. The constant striving for perfection can exacerbate performance anxiety, making the experience of being on stage feel like an impossible standard to meet.
Hypervigilance in High-Stress Situations: Trauma can also make individuals hypervigilant, meaning they are constantly on alert for threats or danger, even when there is none. In performance settings, this heightened sense of awareness can manifest as an overwhelming focus on audience reactions, perceived mistakes, or the fear of something going wrong. This state of hypervigilance can make performing feel unsafe and increase the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a racing heart, sweating, or trembling.
Managing Performance Anxiety as a Trauma Survivor:
Recognize the Connection Between Trauma and Anxiety: The first step to managing performance anxiety is to acknowledge the link between past trauma and your current emotions. By understanding that your fear of performing may be tied to unresolved trauma, you can begin to address the underlying causes of your anxiety and work toward healing.
Develop Grounding Techniques: Grounding techniques can help you stay present and calm in high-stress situations like performing. Deep breathing, visualization, or mindfulness exercises can be effective tools for managing the physical and emotional symptoms of anxiety. These techniques can help you stay connected to the present moment and reduce the intensity of your anxious thoughts.
Work Through Your Trauma with a Therapist: Therapy can be an invaluable resource for trauma survivors experiencing performance anxiety. Working with a trauma-informed therapist can help you process your past experiences and develop healthier coping strategies for managing stress and anxiety. Modalities like Brainspotting and EMDR can be particularly helpful in addressing trauma-related performance anxiety. I can help you connect with your body and release those unprocessed emotions so you can feel clarity, confidence, and authenticity on stage!
Reframe Your Mindset Around Performing: Instead of focusing on perfection or fearing judgment, try to reframe your mindset around performing. Remember that music and songwriting are forms of self-expression, and there is no "perfect" way to share your art. By focusing on the joy of performing and connecting with your audience, you can begin to shift away from fear-based thinking and embrace the experience with more confidence.
For many musicians and songwriters, performance anxiety is more than just stage fright—it can be a manifestation of unresolved trauma and the emotions tied to it. By recognizing the connection between trauma and anxiety, learning grounding techniques, seeking therapy, and reframing your mindset around performing, you can begin to break free from the grip of fear and anxiety. Remember, your art is a gift, and healing from past trauma will not only help you reclaim your confidence on stage but also empower you to live a more fulfilling, authentic life.
