Episode 15: Homeopathy Helps Performance Anxiety with Caroline Masters

That nervous feeling before an exam, interview, flight or performance can sometimes be useful. But what happens when the anxiety becomes so strong that your mind goes blank, your body starts shaking or you begin avoiding the situation altogether? In this episode of the Homeopathy247 Podcast, Mary Greensmith speaks with homeopath and musician Caroline Masters about performance anxiety, fear and some of the different ways anxiety can appear. Drawing on both personal and professional experience, Caroline explains why understanding exactly how someone experiences anxiety is important when considering an individualized homeopathic approach. When Nerves Become Overwhelming Caroline shares her own experience of performance anxiety as a young musician. Despite knowing her piano piece well, she describes becoming overwhelmed during a performance and feeling disconnected from what she was doing. That experience stayed with her and later helped her understand just how physical performance anxiety can become. Mary and Caroline discuss how anxiety can also appear before exams, interviews, travelling, public speaking and other situations where we feel under pressure. Not All Anxiety Looks the Same One of the main themes of the conversation is individualized medicine. Two people may both say they feel anxious, but their experiences can be completely different. One person may become quiet, weak and unable to think clearly. Someone else may become restless, talk quickly or imagine everything that could possibly go wrong. These individual characteristics are what Caroline considers when thinking about homeopathic prescribing. Gelsemium and Stage Fright Caroline discusses Gelsemium as one of the remedies she associates with performance anxiety and stage fright. She describes a picture of trembling, weakness, dizziness and the frightening feeling that your mind has suddenly gone blank just when you need it most. Other Anxiety Remedy Pictures Mary and Caroline also explore several other remedies traditionally associated with different experiences of anxiety. They discuss Argentum nitricum when there is nervous anticipation and restlessness, Aconite when fear feels sudden and intense, and Arsenicum album when anxiety is connected with needing control and reassurance. Ignatia also comes into the conversation when anxiety is connected with grief or an emotionally difficult event. Breaking the Fear Cycle Caroline talks about how one frightening experience can sometimes make us anticipate the same thing happening again. That anticipation may gradually affect what we feel able or willing to do. For Caroline, understanding the individual fear response and finding appropriate support can be an important part of becoming more confident again. Key Takeaways Performance anxiety can affect the mind and body. Anxiety may appear before performances, exams, interviews, travel and other stressful events. Different people experience anxiety in very different ways. Gelsemium is discussed in relation to trembling, weakness and the mind going blank. Argentum nitricum is discussed for restless anticipatory anxiety. Aconite is associated with sudden, intense fear in the conversation. Arsenicum album is discussed when fear and a need for control appear together. Ignatia may be considered when anxiety is connected with grief or loss. Persistent or severe anxiety deserves appropriate professional support.   Subscribe to our YouTube channel and be updated with our latest episodes. You can also subscribe to our podcast channels available on your favourite podcast listening app below: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/homeopathy247-podcast/id1628767810 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/39rjXAReQ33hGceW1E50dk Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/homeopathy247-podcast Follow us on our social media accounts: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homeopathy247/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeopathy247/ You can also visit our website at https://homeopathy247.com/