Celebrity Social Anxiety
Did you know that Social Anxiety affects hundreds of actors and musicians around the World? Some of our most famous celebrities have struggled with the devastating effects of this disorder.
Many people believe that actors, musicians, etc. become socially phobic during the course of their careers, and that’s why some of them turn to drugs, etc.
You’ll get no argument from me, that anxiety has pushed many performers into the world of narcotics. Although, I believe that in the majority of cases, socially anxious people become performers, to protect themselves from social anxiety.
Let me give you a quick statistic…
It’s estimated, that approximately 7% of the general population suffer from Social Anxiety Disorder. However, surveys have shown that about 75% of professional performers have suffered from Performance Anxiety.
What does it mean
Let’s take a look at the general descriptions for each…
Symptoms of Performance Anxiety
Performance anxiety is the anxiety, produced by the requirement to perform in front of an audience. In the context of public speaking, this may precede or accompany participation in any activity involving public self-presentation. Quite often, it arises in anticipation of a performance, often a long time ahead. It has numerous manifestations:
- stuttering,
- tachycardia,
- tremor in the hands and legs,
- sweaty hands,
- facial nerve tics,
- dry mouth,
- nausea and
- dizziness
Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder (SAD), also known as social phobia, is an anxiety disorder characterized by a significant amount of fear in one or more social situations causing considerable distress and impaired ability to function. These fears can be triggered by perceived or actual scrutiny from others.
Physical symptoms often include:
- stuttering,
- tachycardia,
- tremor in the hands and legs,
- sweaty hands,
- facial nerve tics,
- dry mouth,
- nausea and
- dizziness
So, as you can see, Performance anxiety and Social Anxiety have identical symptoms and a very similar cause. Although Performance anxiety is usually associated with acting, singing, or some other form of professional ‘performance’ as the name suggests. Really, you’re performing every time you have to do something in front of someone else.
That may be a speech at a wedding. Thanking a group of people after winning an award. Asking your boss for a raise, or even asking a stranger for directions. Many of the things we associate with social anxiety, could just as easily be labeled as performance anxiety.
And just the same as social anxiety, performance anxiety can be controlled.
I believe that many performers seek out (maybe unconsciously) acting, or music as a way to distract themselves from their social anxiety. It allows them to BE someone else. So, people see them as this confident and powerful person. Believing them to be the person they’re portraying.
It can’t be a coincidence that so many performers suffer.
Examples of celebrities with Anxiety Issues
To give you some quick examples…
Barbra Streisand had to stop performing live for 27 years after she forgot the lines to one of her songs in 1967. Johnny Depp suffers so badly, he has access to a therapist even while he’s on set! And Adele has even tried to escape a live performance by trying to get away down the fire escape!
Yet, even after suffering like this, they still managed to carry on despite it and reach the pinnacle of their business.
You’ve probably heard the phrases “carry on regardless” and “feel the fear and do it anyway”? Moving out of your comfort zone and taking on the challenge of success it ultimately what will get you to your pinnacle. You just have to believe you can do it.
What’s your view? I’d love to know what you think.
Have you taken acting classes, or thought about it?
Let me know 🙂
Be Brave.
