[Panic Disorder/ Anticipatory Anxiety] 3 selected coping methods to prevent the development of attacks

What is Anticipatory Anxiety?

Anticipatory anxiety is a form of anxiety that primarily occurs in people with anxiety disorders or panic disorders. It is a vague form of anxiety that can be triggered by imagining something bad happening to you or imagining yourself encountering it. Many people today are suffering from snow anxiety, which is a type of anticipatory anxiety that is triggered by the fear of snow. In this article, we will explain what anticipatory anxiety is, its symptoms, and how to deal with it.

Symptoms of Anticipatory Anxiety

Before you can develop the symptoms called snow anxiety, you must first experience a state of panic, also known as an anxiety attack, in which you become aware of sudden and intense anxiety. In the anxiety symptoms seen in panic disorder, a person is suddenly attacked by strong anxiety without warning and gradually becomes aware of symptoms such as tachycardia, shortness of breath, and dizziness. In more severe cases, even though there is no clear reason, sometimes you start to think that you are going to die at any moment. This condition gradually subsides over time, but if the attacks become repeated, they may come back. You start to feel anxious that something is going to happen, and you imagine yourself panicking even when nothing is happening, and you end up in a state where your anxiety increases more and more. This is anticipatory anxiety.

How to Deal with Anticipatory Anxiety

There are three ways to deal with anticipatory anxiety:

1. Think back to the snow anxiety you have been aware of up until now. Think back to the situations and places you are not good at, and your thoughts at the time. Start by searching for the cause. Understand the cause objectively.

2. Not trying to protect yourself from anxiety. It's very difficult, but when you feel anxious, you tend to take safe actions to avoid the anxiety. In other words, you will be more likely to take actions to protect yourself than necessary. However, if you only take safe actions, you will become hypersensitive to anticipatory anxiety, and as a result, you will avoid going to places where you are likely to have an attack. This will increase your fear. Be aware that it will take a long time for everyone, and gradually try to protect yourself from anxiety.

3. Don't be excessive in response to your symptoms. People who are aware of anticipatory anxiety also tend to be afraid of symptoms that are similar to those experienced during an attack. It is important to explain the misconceptions yourself through behavioral therapy etc. in order to overcome anticipatory anxiety.

Treatment for Anticipatory Anxiety

Treatment for snow anxiety is divided into 3 types: drug therapy, cognitive therapy, and behavioral therapy. Drug therapy has different roles. The following two types of drugs are mainly taken:

1. Anti-anxiety drugs: The main action of anti-anxiety drugs is to act directly on the brain to suppress seizures. If anticipatory anxiety develops into a panic disorder, a strong panic attack such as difficulty breathing, dizziness, and motivation can occur.

2. Antidepressants (SSRI): SSRI antidepressants have the effect of suppressing the reuptake of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain, and are known to gradually reduce anticipatory anxiety.

Cognitive therapy means to be aware of the way you perceive and think about certain actions. If there is an event situation that is not favorable for you, you will correct your own perception so that you can use it for treatment. An example of cognitive therapy for an incident when someone took a train is to recognize that your heart is pounding and revise your own cognition to calm yourself down.

Behavioral therapy is the first step in preventing panic attacks. We challenge ourselves to become more familiar with the situation little by little, and this is called behavioral therapy. The key to behavioral therapy is to proceed at your own pace without overdoing it. This is how to cure snow anxiety.

Notes for Those Who Support People with Anticipatory Anxiety

When it comes to mental illnesses such as snow anxiety, it is difficult for people who have never experienced the illness to imagine them. It is important to put yourself in the patient's shoes and think about how you would like to be treated. It is easy to understand that it can be difficult for a patient to be close to you, but even if they are forced to be close to you, it can be a mental burden. Therefore, do not force the patient to encourage you, and always try to be patient. If you treat the patient in the same way, you will have an attitude that makes it easier to make the patient feel comfortable. Adjusting their daily rhythm is also helpful for the patient.

Conclusion

Anticipatory anxiety is a form of anxiety that can be triggered by imagining something bad happening to you or imagining yourself encountering it. It is a vague form of anxiety that primarily occurs in people with anxiety disorders or panic disorders. There are three ways to deal with anticipatory anxiety: think back to the snow anxiety you have been aware of up until now, not trying to protect yourself from anxiety, and not being excessive in response to your symptoms. Treatment for snow anxiety is divided into 3 types: drug therapy, cognitive therapy, and behavioral therapy. It is important to put yourself in the patient's shoes and think about how you would like to be treated if you support people with anticipatory anxiety.

👍 Pros:

- Provides information on what anticipatory anxiety is and its symptoms

- Offers three ways to deal with anticipatory anxiety

- Explains the different types of treatment for snow anxiety

- Provides notes for those who support people with anticipatory anxiety

👎 Cons:

- None

Highlights

- Anticipatory anxiety is a form of anxiety that can be triggered by imagining something bad happening to you or imagining yourself encountering it.

- There are three ways to deal with anticipatory anxiety: think back to the snow anxiety you have been aware of up until now, not trying to protect yourself from anxiety, and not being excessive in response to your symptoms.

- Treatment for snow anxiety is divided into 3 types: drug therapy, cognitive therapy, and behavioral therapy.

- It is important to put yourself in the patient's shoes and think about how you would like to be treated if you support people with anticipatory anxiety.

FAQ

Q: What is anticipatory anxiety?

A: Anticipatory anxiety is a form of anxiety that can be triggered by imagining something bad happening to you or imagining yourself encountering it.

Q: What are the symptoms of anticipatory anxiety?

A: Symptoms of anticipatory anxiety include sudden and intense anxiety, tachycardia, shortness of breath, and dizziness.

Q: How can I deal with anticipatory anxiety?

A: There are three ways to deal with anticipatory anxiety: think back to the snow anxiety you have been aware of up until now, not trying to protect yourself from anxiety, and not being excessive in response to your symptoms.

Q: What are the different types of treatment for snow anxiety?

A: Treatment for snow anxiety is divided into 3 types: drug therapy, cognitive therapy, and behavioral therapy.

Q: How can I support someone with anticipatory anxiety?

A: It is important to put yourself in the patient's shoes and think about how you would like to be treated. Adjusting their daily rhythm is also helpful for the patient.