Work and Performance Anxiety: Finding Balance

Performance anxiety counseling in Colorado Springs

Deadlines, presentations, performance reviews, big exams, or even daily workplace stress—these pressures can leave many people feeling overwhelmed. While stress at work or school is normal, work and performance anxiety goes further. It can keep you up at night, cause panic before meetings, or make you feel like you’ll never measure up, no matter how hard you try.

What is Work & Performance Anxiety?

Work and performance anxiety is more than temporary nervousness. It’s an ongoing fear of failure, judgment, or not being good enough in professional or academic settings.

Common signs include:

• Racing thoughts before work, presentations, or exams

• Trouble sleeping due to worry about tasks or deadlines

• Perfectionism and fear of making mistakes

• Physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, or rapid heartbeat

• Avoiding opportunities (presentations, promotions, or exams) due to fear

• Constant self-doubt, even after doing well

Over time, this anxiety can lead to burnout, reduced productivity, and lower self-esteem.

Why It Happens

Work and performance anxiety often stems from high expectations—whether from employers, schools, family, or even ourselves. In Colorado Springs, where many residents are part of military families, students, or professionals balancing demanding jobs, these pressures can feel especially intense.

How Therapy Helps with Work & Performance Anxiety

Therapy can help you step out of the cycle of stress and fear, and approach work or school with more confidence. In our Colorado Springs counseling practice, we use strategies such as:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifying and reframing negative self-talk and perfectionism.

• Performance Preparation Skills: Building routines that reduce anxiety before big moments.

• Stress & Time Management: Learning practical ways to balance workload without burnout.

• Mindfulness & Relaxation: Staying calm and focused when pressure is high.

A Healthier Way Forward

Imagine being able to give a presentation without panic, go to work without constant dread, or approach an exam with confidence instead of fear. With the right tools, work and performance anxiety doesn’t have to control your life.

Therapy for Work & Performance Anxiety in Colorado Springs

If pressure from work or school has left you feeling anxious or burned out, counseling can help.

📍 We provide therapy in Colorado Springs for professionals, students, and anyone struggling with work or performance anxiety. Contact us today to get started.

Read more about the different types of anxiety in this blog series: Understanding Anxiety:  Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety, Teen Anxiety, Post-Partum Anxiety, Panic Disorder, and Performance Anxiety.