CHECK Magazin - Gesundheitsmagazin für Männer No.9

ENGLISH
Psychology
HOW DO I COPE WITH FEAR?
Interview: Torsten Schwick
Negative events can lead to worry
and anxiety, whether in personal or
professional life. Recent studies show
that the population in Germany is
currently particularly afraid of recurring
corona waves, tax increases, serious
illnesses, economic problems, but also
climate change and conflicts abroad.
But what can you do about feelings of
fear and insecurity? We asked the work
psychologist Michelle Müller.
WHAT IS FEAR?
Psychologist Paul Ekman describes fear as
one of the seven basic emotions or feelings
found in all cultures around the world,
along with joy and sadness. Even though
it is a global emotion, we always feel it
individually. For example, during the pandemic,
some worried more and others less
about their health. Fear is also very useful
because it warns us not to take risks in dangerous
situations. But it becomes problematic
when it gains the upper hand and leads to
irrational behaviour or blocks us.
CAN YOU AVOID FEAR?
In the corona pandemic, but also now during
the Ukraine crisis, people tend to consume
even more media out of fear. But that can
lead to even more anxiety. Of course, you
should follow current developments, but
excessive media consumption does not help.
Therefore, it is recommended to consume
general news and other media moderately
and to ensure that it is qualitatively wellresearched
reporting in order not to increase
the state of tension.
“You‘re not doing your body any good if you‘re constantly on alert.
Always following the news coverage and social media isn‘t really a way to
unwind. It leads to stress and an intensification of negative feelings. The
consequences are often lack of sleep, restlessness and the associated
discomfort, since the necessary recovery phases are not taken.”
16 CHECK BERLIN #9