There are many different kinds of specific phobias, with speaking/performing in front of an audience as a very common one. This particular phobia can feel very awful to those who have to deal with it, with signs and symptoms such as:

·         Significant anxiety prior to having to speak or perform in front of an audience – even a day or days beforehand.

·         Fast heart beat

·         Shaking hands

·         Shakiness in the voice

·         Increased perspiration

·         Dizziness

·         Stomach aches, sometimes accompanied by diarrhea or constipation

People who deal with this specific phobia will go to great lengths to avoid situations where they have to speak in front of others, and, like you, will feel that they have missed out on certain experiences. For example, maybe someone didn’t say what they wanted to say at their older brother’s wedding, or they didn’t run for class president because they would have had to make a speech on front of the school body. It can feel frustrating and sad to think of these kinds of missed opportunities.

The good news is that the anxiety you experience in these situations does not have to “ruin” your life. There are treatments available that can be very effective in helping people to deal with their specific phobias. One type of therapy that can be very useful is called cognitive-behavioral therapy. Another type of effective treatment is known as hypnotherapy. The key in trying either one of these therapies is finding a therapist who has extensive training and experience in using these techniques, as well as in working with people with specific phobias.

FX suggests that you start by speaking to your parent(s)/guardian(s) and let them know that you have been dealing with this issue for some time. Then ask them to set up a consultation for you with a mental health professional trained in either cognitive-behavioral therapy and/or hypnotherapy. The therapist will meet with you and evaluate the problem and your needs, and work with you on developing an effective treatment plan based on those needs. With treatment you may or may not get to a point where you enjoy speaking in front of others, but at the very least treatment can help you to tolerate the experience in a way that you currently are unable to do.

If you live in northern New Jersey and need help finding a therapist you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 973-247-1400. Outside of this area you can log onto the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website for referrals in your area. You can also contact your insurance company to get a list of in-network mental health providers or check with your school social worker or psychologist to get a list of referrals in your area.