Fearful singer
QUESTION:
Orquid (23 year-old woman)I'm a 23 year-old woman who feels that she will never get over her fear of failing at what she loves to do, singing. When I was younger I was very shy, and I still am at times, but I was never afraid of showing how talented I was.
I am diagnosed with social anxiety, and currently taking medication. The medication has helped control my nervousness and I am a little more comfortable with myself. But I still can't get over my fear of singing on stage. When I'm about to perform for someone, or a group of people, my heart starts racing and I feel as if I were drowning. Sometimes I get so anxious that don't get to finish the song.
God, I know you gave me this talent for a reason! I just wish I knew what my problem was. Could this be a self esteem issue? I just know that singing is what I love to do, and will truly hate myself if this overwhelming feeling ends up controlling my life.
Is there anything I can do to get over my feelings of failure and live my life to the fullest without being afraid all the time? Please tell me there is a cure. Please help me.
ANSWER:
Bob Rich, Ph.D.
Dear Orquid,
I have good news for you. Yes, you can beat this anxiety. Millions of other people have, and if they could, then so can you.
There have been effective tools developed for fighting anxiety; some have been in use for about 70 years. What you need to do is to find a psychologist near you who is competent at 'Cognitive Therapy'. Even the most severe cases of anxiety like yours can be controlled in about eight sessions of Cognitive Therapy.
If you have trouble finding a suitable therapist, you might consider buying a copy of my e-book 'Anger and Anxiety: Be in charge of your emotions and control phobias'. It is designed to provide these tools for people who can apply it for themselves, possibly with the help of a friend or relative. Please go to http://anxietyanddepression-help.com/, where you can read the first chapter, the table of contents, and a number of reviews of this book.
Take your destiny in your own hands. You could have this long term problem beaten in a couple of months.
Have a good life,
Bob Rich
This question was answered by Dr. Bob Rich. Dr. Rich has 30+ years of experience as a psychotherapist. Dr. Rich is also a writer and a "mudsmith". Bob is now retired from psychological practice, but still works with people as a counselor.For more information visit: http://anxietyanddepression-help.com