Performance anxiety is a form of intense nervousness and stress that can arise before or during performances, auditions, competitions, or public speaking—sometimes even when simply imagining these scenarios. For many performers, this anxiety goes beyond "stage fright" and can feel overwhelming, interfering with preparation, focus, and the ability to perform at one’s best. It may lead to avoidance of important opportunities, self-doubt, and a sense of being blocked from personal and professional growth.

In a clinical context, performance anxiety can be linked to past experiences, internalized pressures, or fears of judgment and failure. While it may be part of a broader anxiety pattern, it often emerges in otherwise highly skilled individuals. Effective treatment includes Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

EMDR helps performers identify and process the deeper emotional roots of their anxiety—such as past failures, criticism, or high-stakes pressure—by using bilateral stimulation to reduce the emotional charge tied to those memories. As a result, many performers report feeling more grounded, confident, and connected to their creative or athletic flow.