Can tearing be a symptom of stage fright or performance anxiety?
APR 12, 2015
Question:
Whenever I speak in a group where my opinion is sought, tears automatically flow from my eyes. This does not happen when I talk within my family. Even if someone praises me or when the focus of the group is on me, tears automatically come out. Can tearing be a symptom of stage fright or performance anxiety?
Answer:
Usually "stage fright" is a manifestation of the fight or flight response which is controlled by the sympathetic system. Tearing is governed by the parasympathetic system, which is responsible for functions that occur when the body is at rest. So tearing would likely be suppressed by this “fight or flight” response. You may be having an atypical response with parasympathetic discharge but that perhaps would also be accompanied by low heart rate, dizziness and perhaps even fainting.