Feeling off but don’t know where to start: How can Anticipatory Anxiety get in the way of feeling good.
One of the best ways to describe this form of anxiety is “fairy dust” it seems to be everywhere, but we can’t point our finger to a root cause or source. It can sometimes be tied to other forms of anxiety and can also have consequences when it comes to our emotions, the choices we make and our perceptions.
- Emotional consequences: Feelings of fear, dread, being overwhelmed. We can feel this weight of the unknown, and it can feel like too much.
- Behavioural consequences: Avoidance can take over. You might put things off, struggle with motivation, or feel stuck when trying to problem-solve.
- Problematic thinking: It can lead to “what ifs,”; “shoulds,” and “if then” assumptions that can spiral quickly—one anxious thought leading to another until it feels overwhelming.
One of the things that I have noticed in my own experiences with stress is that unexpected changes can often lead to this feeling of uncertainty. I therefore look for my “go-to sources of comfort” and try to disengage if I can ( a hard one for me) from making a plan until I can catch my breath and feel grounded in my body and in my emotions.
Here at Crosstown Psychology, we’re here to work with you to understand your “why,”; your specific worries and fears and the ways in which anxiety presents and impacts you— there’s no cookie-cutter approach.
If anticipatory anxiety is weighing you or a loved one down, let’s figure it out together—your future self will thank you.
