Anticipatory anxiety is a process that we carry out on a mental level, where we imagine the worst that can happen in a certain future situation that causes us stress or concern.
It is normal to feel some anxiety before a job interview, an exam, an appointment, … The problem arises when you spend the day anticipating possible negative scenarios in these situations. If you have panic attacks, you probably have thoughts similar to the following:
- What if I have a panic attack and lose control over myself?
- What if I have an anxiety attack during a meeting or on a date?
- What if I faint?
- What if I choke on food and choke?
- What if this expiration is the last one and then I can’t breathe again?
- What if the doctors haven’t found it, but I have something?
These types of thoughts trigger anticipation anxiety and can lead you to avoid the situations that trigger them.
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TREATMENT HOW TO COMBAT ANTICIPATORY ANXIETY?
- Detect the negative thoughts you are having as these are the cause of anticipatory anxiety.
- Disassemble each of the thoughts. Once you have discovered these negative thoughts, take one by one and imagine what would be the worst scenario that could happen. Often the worst case scenario is not as bad as you imagine, it is just that you are magnifying the consequences in your mind and that is why you are so scared.
- Shift the focus of attention. To eliminate anticipatory anxiety, you need to change your attitude, which means that you will need to focus on the positive aspects. You’ve already thought of everything that could go wrong, now think of everything that could go right.
- Get used to uncertainty. The reality is that life is quite uncertain and the sooner you take it on, the better it will be. To eliminate anticipatory anxiety, it is essential to learn to live with uncertainty without feeling uncomfortable.
Anticipatory anxiety is part of a clinical disorder that requires treatment by a professional. From Psychology, cognitive-behavioral therapy has proven its effectiveness in solving these types of emotional problems.
If you are looking for a Psychologist for the treatment of anxiety, do not hesitate to contact us.
Alexa Clark specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She has experience in listening and welcoming in Individual Therapy and Couples Therapy. It meets demands such as generalized anxiety, professional, love and family conflicts, stress, depression, sexual dysfunction, grief, and adolescents from 15 years of age. Over the years, She felt the need to conduct the psychotherapy sessions with subtlety since She understands that the psychologist acts as a facilitator of self-understanding and self-acceptance, valuing each person's respect, uniqueness, and acceptance.