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in collaboration with
Amélie Boukhobza (Clinical Psychologist)
A few hours before the start of the school year, you are full of apprehension. A form of anxiety that has a name: anticipatory anxiety. Explanations.
With the resumption of daily obligations that the start of the school year brings – managing files, paying bills, organizing the children’s schedule – stress can quickly (re)surface. An anxious state, which is conjugated in the present, but also in the future. This is what experts call “anticipatory anxiety“.
Back to school, a time conducive to increased anxiety
Your entourage keeps reminding you: “you have to live in the present moment“But fully enjoying a moment without being invaded by negative thoughts is often easier said than done.
In the middle of the summer holidays, when the only thing on the agenda for most holidaymakers is to think about the lunch menu, some people have a “foggy” brain – contaminated by anxious thoughts.
“Did I sign my youngest up for dance classes?” “Scheduled my dentist appointment?” “Shopping for the big birthday next Saturday?”
So many “anticipatory” questions that harm overall well-being and prevent us from savoring the present moment.
Anticipatory Anxiety, a Paralyzing Symptom
According to Marine Colombel, a psychiatrist interviewed by the magazine Psychologiesanticipatory anxiety is a form of stress that occurs when one anticipates stressful or uncertain future situations.
It is often triggered by the prospect of having to face events that may seem difficult to manage – such as the return of daily constraints.
“Anticipatory anxiety (…) is when we project things onto the future”confides Marine Colombel, psychiatrist, to the site Psychologies. “We will imagine scenarios, these scenarios will scare us, we will be anxious and we will have a catastrophic vision.”
Amélie Boukhobza, psychologist for Doctissimo, confirms these comments.
“As September approaches, many of us feel a sense of unease, a vague anxiety that rears its ugly head as the summer holidays draw to a close. This feeling is what we call anticipatory anxiety, or anxiety for short… a feeling of stress about a future that we imagine will be difficult or uncomfortable.” she explains.
The best solution is to take a step back from upcoming events… while trying to anchor your attention in the present moment. For example, by focusing on your breathing or carefully observing your surroundings.
Sports, such as yoga or walking outdoors, can also help release tension.
Slideshow: 10 great tips for a stress-free return to school