"A Wager": Ildikó von Kürthy Writes About Her Fears - Ildikó von Kürthy bares her soul in Old Enough—a memoir of anxiety and resilience

Ildikó von Kürthy has opened up about her lifelong battle with anxiety in her new memoir, Old Enough. The book marks a shift from her earlier novels, which explored themes like heartbreak and friendship. This time, she reflects on her struggles with self-confidence, phobias, and the challenges of menopause.

Von Kürthy's anxiety began early. As a child, she suffered her first panic attack during a German class. Over time, her fears grew to include tunnels, flying, and heights. Despite these struggles, she has always seen herself as a courageous person.

For much of her life, she also dealt with low self-esteem and heavy drinking. A diagnosis of generalised anxiety disorder came later. Recently, antidepressants have helped her regain control.

In Old Enough, she describes menopause as a defining phase—'fascinating, turbulent, and extremely difficult.' The book concludes with a reflection on fear itself: 'Feeling fear is an honourable thing. Enduring it and overcoming it is a life's mission.'

Old Enough offers a raw account of von Kürthy's personal growth. She now manages her anxiety with medication and a clearer perspective. The memoir stands as both a confession and a declaration of resilience.