Crowd Anxiety

I am not at all comfortable speaking to large crowds and do way better in smaller settings that have been more the norm for me professionally over the years. So I do recognize stage fright as real thing and have experienced it several times. However popping a pill to feel less anxious seems like a very dubious solution to the problem

Propranolol, a beta blocker originally approved for cardiovascular issues, has become a popular, fast-growing off-label remedy for anxiety, especially among young women preparing for public events, presentations, and even weddings. This surge in demand has been fueled by endorsement from influencers and celebrities on podcasts and social media, leading to a steep rise in prescriptions since 2020. Many people, led by prominent voices like Robert Downey Jr. and reality TV stars, see propranolol as a non-addictive “magic pill” for easing nervousness, and its mild reputation compared to traditional anti-anxiety drugs adds to its growing cultural cachet.

Telehealth has further broadened access, making the process of securing a propranolol prescription quick and easy, often just a virtual questionnaire away. Various telehealth platforms and startups openly market the medication online following influencer testimonials, touting its ability to transform performance under pressure. However, some doctors express concern that remote consultations may not properly assess contraindications, such as asthma or diabetes, potentially exposing users to fainting or other serious side effects, and some worry that users can easily manipulate self-reported health data.

Despite being considered safer than benzodiazepines for mild, situational anxiety, propranolol’s status as an off-label remedy for nerves is not firmly supported by robust clinical evidence. In the UK, concerns about abuse and toxicity have prompted official investigations and stricter guidance following overdose-related deaths among young people. Users and critics debate whether everyday nervousness truly merits medical intervention, or if reliance on pills stunts the development of critical coping skills.

The broader response to propranolol’s rise reveals social anxieties about over-medication, influencer-driven health trends, and the lack of access to psychological therapies, especially for young people struggling with normal or situational stressors. While some report life-changing benefits for performance anxiety and stress, others raise concerns about lost resilience, side effects, and the wisdom of seeking pharmaceutical fixes for challenges that might otherwise be managed through experience or therapy. This debate highlights an ongoing tension between easy medical solutions and the complexity of emotional well-being in modern society.

Wouldn't it be so much better for all concerned to create opportunities for folks like me to experience that discomfort over and over until it becomes comfortable. There could be augmented reality options to achieve that potentially.