Recently I posted a blog about the wonderful conversation I had with my dear friend Stacey Tirro on her Changed For The Better, The Power Of Arts In Education blog/podcast. You can read the blog here If you prefer, you can watch the video here.

A big part of the conversation involved how my anxiety negatively impacted my college experience as well as my voice over career.

Anxiety? Moi? Yes, Tom Dheere STILL has voice over anxiety!

Most of the time I'm fine, but during my weaker moments I still worry about where my next gig will come from. I still get nervous when business slows down. And yes, I occasionally suffer from Imposter Syndrome.

All that does is make me human.

The question is: do I control my anxiety or do I let my anxiety control me?

It used to be the latter but now it's the former.

How can a voice actor effectively manage anxiety?

1. Understand that not all anxiety is created equal.

Mine is relatively mild and does not require medication, so I count myself fortunate.

Other people's anxiety can be crippling and may require pharmacological help.

Find a good cognitive therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist to determine if you have anxiety, the nature of your anxiety, what kind if help you need, and if you require medication.

There is no shame in seeking help or taking prescription medication if that's what you need.

2. Check out MoodGym.

It's "like an interactive self-help book which helps you to learn and practice skills which can help to prevent and manage symptoms of depression and anxiety."

I used it years ago and it was a big help, but it's no substitute for therapy and medication.

3. Recognize that the voice over industry is not for the faint of heart.

It is inherently chaotic and unpredictable with no guarantee of success.

Anxiety is about fearing the future - and letting it either paralyze you or make your life spin out of control.

For me at least, one of the most effective coping mechanisms to deal with voice over anxiety is to take control. Seek control through education, genre proficiency, development of business acumen, mastery of project management, and all of the other skills that will strengthen the foundation of your voice over business.

Creating stability and control may lessen your anxiety.

Take that anxiety-driven energy and put it to good use. I use it to stay motivated and organized, but I make sure that I don't let it devolve into "busy work" and endlessly scrolling on social media.