I know this a weird question but I know if anyone’s kid has this problem it would be here…lol . My D since about this past summer has been getting nauseous before shows. It’s never happened before and she actually really never gets overly nervous. It’s happened about three times now & im guessing it’s nerves? It’s so odd cause she’s been performing forever it seems. She’s really concerned about it cause at her rehearsal last night before her shows this wknd she got nauseous & even vomited a bit and that’s never happened! Yikes! Help!!
My son was a puker, too, at least when he was little, not so much with theater but any time he got nervous or excited. We all express nerves in different ways. Anyway, you should probably get her checked out to make sure it IS nerves, but then try not to worry about it. Manage the nerves with rest, exercise, meditation, whatever works for her, but don’t add to her stress by making too much of the stomach issues.
Does it only happen before shows, or other times, too?
@Calliene It seems to only happen before a performance. Not every one but a lot of them lately .
Stomach issues are very common among theatre students (mine included) I’ve found since D started college. D never had any stomach problems when she was younger and like most of these kids has been performing since she was little. The stress level seems to increase to closer they get to the “real world” and certainly senior year in HS is very stressful. They don’t realize it is having an effect on them and it comes out in physical ways. An MD visit to rule out medical issues and possibly a counselor visit so she can talk about any concerns she has? That’s the route we took.
I didn’t know this was a common thing. It started happening to me last year (not just in audition or performance situations, but I think it was brought on by that) and it turns out I had gastritis. My doctor put me on meds and they helped, but it took a long time. I haven’t had much of a problem with it since getting into college, but I don’t have a crazy extracurricular schedule (it’s pretty much been class and seeing shows).
My D had bouts like that as well. My best guess was that it was caused by a lack of sleep and a poor diet during late night rehearsals, then getting up at 5:30am for school. Sometimes anxiety kicked in and made it worse. Make sure she is eating well and getting an adequate amount of sleep.
If it only happens before performances it is most likely anxiety related, but if it is making her throw up and interfering with her life then it needs to be addressed. These poor kids. They are under so much stress, and stress is never good for your health. Learning to cope with the stress is super important!