Jonathan Knight: How He Can Manage His Anxiety

The New Kids On The Block singer's struggle with anxiety issues was on full display on Apr. 4 when he wasn't able to perform for the majority of a concert. Now, experts tell HollywoodLife EXCLUSIVELY what Jonathan can do to overcome his anxiety and continue his successful music career. At the New Kids On The Block Apr. 4 concert at the iHeartRadio Theater in New York City, Jonathan Knight stayed in the background most of the time after struggling to remember his dance moves and lyrics. But not without reason: Dr. Jeff Gardere, host of Culture Shock Radio, tells HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY that he was experiencing a "prodromal panic attack."

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April 5, 2013 3:37PM EDT
Jonathan Knight Anxiety
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“He knew that an attack was coming on,” Dr. Jeff says. Jonathan tried to perform through it, singing three songs. But the pressure was too overwhelming, and Jonathan left the stage for the remainder of the concert.

How Jonathan Knight Can Deal With His Struggles Going Forward

Jonathan’s near panic attack at the small show — which was only for about 200 people — is a serious red flag for New Kids On The Block, who have a nationwide, 31-show tour starting in May. “It’s a disaster… that’s probably how he’s looking at it,” Dr. Jeff says.

In order to be successful on tour, Jonathan’s going to have to face his anxiety head-on and let people help him, Dr. Jeff and Dr. Gilda Carle, the 30-second therapist on Today.com, say.

“If I was his therapist I’d say, ‘Let’s start taking the steps,'” Dr. Jeff says. “‘Instead of performing in front of 5 people you perform in front of 200 next time. Instead of doing an hour you do an hour and a half next time.'” This way, Jonathan can get into a flow and get comfortable by the time he needs to sing in front of 20,000 people during “The Package” tour.

Jonathan Knight Needs To Let Others Support Him

Dr. Gilda states that Jonathan also needs to work on his self-acceptance. She believes that his anxiety issues stem from still being uncomfortable out as a gay man — Jonathan came out officially in 2011. “He was closeted for almost 40 years, that has a lot to do with it,” Gilda says. The key to overcoming that feeling for Jonathan will be understanding that he’s truly accepted and supported — and Dr. Jeff agrees.

“He needs to be reminded of the support he has,” Dr. Jeff says. Knowing that the fans are behind him, and that they’ll support him no matter what, should help him keep his anxiety at bay, Dr. Jeff says.

So get out there NKOTB fans, and let Jonathan hear your support!

Watch: New Kids On The Block NYC Concert 2013

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— Andrew Gruttadaro, Reporting from Emily Longeretta

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