Am a championship irish dancer who cannot sleep because of nightmares of past competitions.?

Question

I have had many past competitions where I have experienced physical pain from my body and it caused me to mess up my steps really bad because I could not concentrate after the pain would begin to start. I find myself not sleeping at night thinking about my past performances and my many mistakes in competition. I am anxious, because I realize I failed because of inuries and cannot stop thinking about what happened to me so many times. I keep qualifying for worlds, but this emotional tension of failure for not doing my best is really getting to me. What should I do?

Answer 1

It's very common for professional athletes and performers to experience distruptive anxiety following less-than perfect performances and/or injuries. Generally, this is the down side of being someone who has been very successful in their work--you have worked toward perfection--unfortunately the mindset that has enabled you to get that far can also create some very upsetting experiences of anxiety when you can't perform to the level you are used to or expect.

I would actually recommend you find a qualified psychologist in your region who specializes in work with performers or athletes. A sports psychologist can be an ideal match. These psychologists have special experience and training to understand the unique needs of individuals who have been highly successful and are experiencing anxiety when they are off their game. Finally, if your sleeping is very disturbed you may wish to speak your your physician about medication interventions or a referral to a psychiatrist for evaluation for the possibility of a medication to help promote sleep and/or reduce anxiety. In general, however, if you have never had a problem with anxiety disrupting your life and it is connected to your performance/competition experiences, a good therapist can make a huge difference. Depending on where you live, you can find the licensing board or the local psychological organization to find a therapist. In the US, it is the American Psychological Association (they have a division of sports psychologists) or the American Psychological Society. There are antecedents of these organizations in Europe as well. Also, the locan university/college's Psychology Department can be a resource for locating a psychologist who specializes in sports/performance issues or one who can find someone for you who does.

In the interim, I would recommend that prior to bed you focus, in as much vivid detail as possible, memories where you have been successful. When intrusive thoughts of the negative performances enter your mind, visualize a large STOP sign or verbally tell yourself to stop. Then redirect your attention to either a positive performance experience or another positive memory in your life. Each night before sleep also focus on the positive events and people of the day.

Best,
Katie MacDowell, M.Ed.
Masters, Counseling Psychology
Doctoral Candidate, Clinical & Health Psychology

Answer 2

Read all of the previous answers to your question.

I competed for many years in Ski Racing. Any one who has ever had to perform has some degree of anxiety. One thing is very clear, no one can compete if they are injured.

You need to take a very hard look at your self and determine if competition is right for you. Perhaps, an Irish dance instructor will be better for your physically and your mental health.

No one can compete in a demanding Physical activity under the influence of anti-anxiety medication or a strong Pain medication for that matter.

However, Positive mental thoughts can assist you. Prior to a Ski Race, I listened to the song from Rocky 1...Eye of a Tiger. That song relaxed me and gave me the incentive to succeed.

Now, If I had been on medication for anxiety or for pain, I risked the chance of a serious injury.

I just ski for enjoyment now and I race for recreation.

Sandy

Answer 3

hello dear,first off all appreciate the your Q says what should I do ? it is interesting question .the other thing i appreciate that you become a championship .M y answer to you question is there is an other special and the only option that you makes you free of nightmares and any stress about the pas or the future .It is worshiping the living God in the spirit and in truth. In this worship and dance no body take some Ono's record or championship ,because it only belongs to God and He only deserved to receive it and give the reward by His own pleasure.On doing or exercising dancing for God or worshiping God YOU WILL NEVER AND EVER GET NIGHTMARES CHALLENGES THAT CO USES YOU NOT TO SLEEP RESTFUL SLEEP AND GETS RE LASED 7 HEALTHY BODY. BUT HERE IS THE KEY OR THE SECRET TO GET THIS GU RANTED SLEEP FOR EVER START FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD BY CONFESSING ALL THE ENQUITES YOU DID AND YOU FILL NOT FREE IN MIND AND START TO COMMUNICATE IN BY YOUR WORDS OF YOUR HEART TO THE LIVING GOD THROUGH THE NAME OF JESUS WHOM HE PAID ALL THE CREDIT BY SHIELDING HIS BOLD ON THE CROSS.IN SHORT, JESUS MAKES YOU FREE FROM ALL YOUR STRES OF SLEEP AND YOUR WHOLE ANXIETY OF WHAT YOU DID IN THE PAST.if you are interested to on this answer and wants more clarity you may contact me.

Answer 4

whoa I LOVE Katie's answer

just wanted to add my own thoughts and hope you do not mind.

I think IF you could possibly extend yourself to help someone
who is NOT totally physically capable
the rewards YOU will get
will be phenomenal!

Is there a special needs dance club in your area, maybe you could start one?
Physical therapists in your area will know if there is some way you can help.
Think of young children in wheelchairs
you COULD make a DIFFERENCE in their lives
please extend your love of dance to help others

I do know how it feels to have your body let you down
no where near your level of competition
just childbirth and having to resort to cesareans
but
I have also helped someone with Lou Gehrig's
Trust me

there is joy that will knock out your mental self-bashing/sabotaging
you just need to reach out and find out what works for you

Hope some of this might help you...best wishes, truthfully from me to you.

Answer 5

You have trained your body to be sexually excited during the dance. Why would you give it up now. A new way of sharing will develop soon. Injuries from a sexual pattern are not uncommon.

Answer 6

Go see doctors? Therapist? Just figure out how to fix whatever it is.