Anticipatory Anxiety: What It Is & How to Navigate It

Photo of a woman sitting on her floor next to her bed. Are you struggling with anticipatory anxiety? Learn how anxiety treatment in Los Angeles, CA can help you manage your anxiety symptoms.

Have you ever found yourself with consuming thoughts of worry about something you think may happen later that day, that week, or even years from that particular moment? This apprehension and anxiety could be related to something that has yet to happen. Like an upcoming event or interaction with a particular person or group of people.

To put it simply, anticipatory anxiety is a form of anxiety and stress about what could happen in the future.

Where Does Anticipatory Anxiety Come From?

Each person has unique life experiences. Experiences that may dictate how they interpret various situations and scenarios. And like with anxiety or stress, anticipatory anxiety can be caused by a variety of factors, both external and internal. These may include past traumas, family dynamics, and biology. Working with a holistic therapist in Los Angeles can help determine which factors may be contributing to your anticipatory anxiety.

Situations that may prompt anticipatory anxiety include:

  • An upcoming presentation or interview

  • A large social event or gathering

  • A date or social activity

  • A severe weather event

Photo of a woman laying in bed with a book covering her face. This photo represents how without anxiety treatment in Los Angeles, CA you may continue to struggle with your anxiety symptoms.

What Are Signs I May Have Anticipatory Anxiety?

The signs of anticipatory mirror those of anxiety. But you’ll notice the experience of the following symptoms may be elevated the more you approach a particular event or situation. These may occur when you are thinking about future and/or hypothetical events.

  • Fixating on what could happen

  • Feeling restless or irritable

  • Experiencing a racing heart, sweating, or tremors

  • Ruminating on worst-case scenarios (i.e. a natural disaster or the death of a friend or family member)

  • Isolating or canceling plans last minute

While the above symptoms are quite common, it’s important to consider that the experience of anxiety can look different for everyone. Therefore, you should discuss any symptoms and triggers of concern with a licensed therapist.

How to Manage Anticipatory Anxiety

There are many different ways to approach the management of anticipatory anxiety symptoms. These different treatments fall into three different categories: lifestyle, therapeutic support, and medication. Some may opt to focus on one category of support, while others may choose to integrate all three methods.

  • Write about the worry and fear that’s coming up.

  • Incorporate mindfulness and presence in the here and now (in case you missed it, we have a list of benefits right here).

  • Talk with a licensed professional. While anxiety is often felt in our bodies, addressing the parts inside of you that are anxious with a holistic therapist can often greatly reduce anxiety symptoms as well as give you tools for managing anticipatory anxiety.

  • Consider incorporating medication if your doctor and psychotherapist suggest it may be beneficial. Sometimes there is a biological factor with anxiety and medication can be helpful in that instance.

Do I Have an Anxiety Disorder?

While it’s possible that an individual who experiences symptoms of anticipatory anxiety could meet the criteria for an anxiety or panic disorder, it’s always best to work with a licensed professional to navigate questions about your symptoms. This helps to determine if a formal diagnosis is both aligned and beneficial for your healing journey.

When Should I Reach Out for Support?

The truth is, if something is causing concern, worry, or fear, it’s worth talking about. Especially when the fear and worry feel overwhelming, reaching out for support from a licensed professional may be essential.

Photo of a woman sitting in the floor practicing meditation. Don't let your anxiety symptoms control your life. With anxiety treatment in Los Angeles, CA you can learn the coping skills to manage your symptoms.

Our Approach to Working with Anxiety

Our holistic Los Angeles therapists view clients, regardless of their mental health concerns, and challenges, as whole human beings. Having anxiety in any form doesn’t mean you’re broken. It simply means there are parts of you that may be best served by additional layers of support, healing, and integration.

Start Anxiety Treatment in Los Angeles, CA Today

If you're ready to start treating your anticipatory anxiety, we're here to help. Contact us today to set up a free phone consultation with our Care Coordinator and get connected to one of our holistic Los Angeles therapists. Your journey to healing can start today.

OTHER SERVICES OFFERED AT HIGHLAND PARK THERAPY

Our team of caring therapists is happy to offer a variety of mental health services to offer support for you and your family. We also offer online therapy and in-person therapy services from the Los Angeles, CA area, and across the state. You can start your therapy journey alongside a trained anxiety therapist, or you can learn more about the other services we offer including depression treatment, teen therapy, grief counseling, eating disorders, EMDR, trauma, HSP therapy, and LGBTQ+ therapy. We would be honored to support you in learning new coping methods to help you cope with future anxiety symptoms. You can also read more by visiting our blog, FAQ, about us, or groups page.

Jenny Walters