26 Jun 2026
32. Ask Susannah: Why Does My Anxiety Keep Switching Themes?
If your mind seems to find a new thing to worry about every time you make peace with the last one, this episode is for you.
When fears keep bouncing from topic to topic, it's easy to wonder if you're getting worse — or if you've finally stumbled onto the real problem. In this episode, I'm sharing the idea that completely changed how I understood my own experience of anxiety, drawing on David Hawkins' concept of form versus underlying energy. The topic of your fear might matter a lot less than you think.
Key Takeaways
Anxiety that keeps switching themes isn't evidence that you're getting worse — it may actually be a clue that the topic was never the real issue
There's a difference between the form of anxiety (the story, the topic) and the underlying energy (the feeling beneath it) — and most of us spend all our time trying to solve the form
When fear is active, the mind is remarkably good at finding new things to attach it to — which is why reassurance only ever works temporarily
The goal isn't to finally find the right answer to the right fear — it's to become willing to feel the feeling underneath the thought
Allowing an emotion to be present without immediately trying to escape it is a skill, and it's one you can build
Susannah's Free Mini Course for Moms:If you're in the thick of postpartum or early motherhood and you're wondering why anxiety and intrusive thoughts are showing up the way they are — I made something for you. Join my email list and get instant access to my free mini course, Why Is This Happening to Me?! Understanding Anxiety and Intrusive Thoughts in Postpartum and Early Motherhood. Click HERE (susannahlongcoaching.com/joinus) or head to susannahlongcoaching.com (https://www.susannahlongcoaching.com/) to sign up.
Want more support on your journey? Check out my signature program, Motherhood Beyond Fear, or apply to work with me 1:1 at susannahlongcoaching.com (https://susannahlongcoaching.com/)
Got a question about early motherhood, anxiety, or anything we discussed today? I'd love to hear from you! Send your questions to susannah@susannahlongcoaching.com and I might feature your question (anonymously) in a future episode.
DISCLAIMER: This podcast represents the opinions of Susannah Long, LMFT. The content of this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for medical or mental health care from a licensed mental health professional. In no way does listening, emailing, or interacting on social media platforms with content establish a therapist - client relationship or coach - client relationship.
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