{"id":4224,"date":"2026-07-08T10:37:40","date_gmt":"2026-07-08T08:37:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wolfgang-kern.com\/?p=4224"},"modified":"2026-07-08T10:37:44","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T08:37:44","slug":"angst-verschwindet-nicht-sie-veraendert-sich-nur","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wolfgang-kern.com\/en\/angst-verschwindet-nicht-sie-veraendert-sich-nur\/","title":{"rendered":"Anxiety doesn't disappear. It only changes."},"content":{"rendered":"

Anxiety doesn't disappear. It only changes.<\/strong><\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

When I was at my lowest point, every single thought\u2014from waking up to falling asleep\u2014was dominated by the fear of being sick or dying. Looking back on that time now, I realize I was in the midst of severe health anxiety. I didn't have a name for it back then; it just felt real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From pain to insight<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

It all started with a back injury years ago. A herniated disc was medically diagnosed, but in my mind, one catastrophic scenario after another grew out of it. What I didn't know at the time was that many of my symptoms were psychosomatic, triggered by the stress and trauma (PTSD) following my accident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most important step was \"labeling\" it \u2013 calling a spade a spade. Understanding that my nervous system was stuck in a permanent \"fight or flight\" mode, constantly releasing adrenaline and cortisol, was the turning point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Anxiety changes with life<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

I've been a father for two and a half years now. And as life would have it: the fear hasn't gone away, it's just changed its form. It used to be about my own health; now my thoughts often revolve around not being here anymore. What if I can't see my children grow up?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There's a fine line between normal parental concern and obsessive rumination that can almost drive you insane. But I've learned: You can't fight fear.<\/strong> You have to accept that it's a part of you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My everyday tools<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Even today, there are still nights when I can't sleep and my mind wanders to horrific scenarios. But I've learned to cope with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • Knowledge is power:<\/strong> Books about CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and exchanging experiences with others have helped me not to feel \"crazy\".<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Facts vs. Feelings:<\/strong> I write down my worries and contrast them with logical, factual statements. This helps to reorganize my thoughts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Acceptance:<\/strong> I have learned to see the symptoms for what they are: a reaction of my body to stress, not a sign of a fatal illness.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n