Anticipatory Anxiety: Understanding It and How to Manage It

• By: Madhuri Jha, LCSW, MPH Psych Hub
• September 29th, 2025
• anticipatory anxiety, catastrophic thinking, clinical anxiety, coping strategies, Fall 2025 Issue, mindfulness and breathing, nervous system regulation, preparation and control, stress management
• 684    0

Have you ever said to yourself, “I am dreading this event, and I am nervous about what will happen?” What you were likely experiencing was anticipatory anxiety. As outlined by the American Psychological Association, anticipatory anxiety is defined as the development of fear or dread in the face...