Introduction
Often, anxiety doesn’t appear when something difficult is actually happening, but before. The anticipation of a meeting, a delicate conversation or an important decision can cause more discomfort than the moment itself – suffering in anticipation. This type of anxiety, known as anticipatory anxiety, is deeply linked to the way the brain deals with uncertainty. CBD can be a natural support to help reduce this emotional burden, promoting greater calm and mental clarity.
What is anticipatory anxiety?
Anticipatory anxiety arises when the mind projects itself into the future and begins to imagine negative scenarios before they happen. It doesn’t depend on a real and immediate threat, but rather on the perception of risk created by thoughts. Unlike reactive anxiety, which appears in response to a concrete situation, anticipatory anxiety feeds on “what ifs”, keeping the body in a state of alert without needing to be.
Why we feel more anxiety before than during
Our brains don’t cope well with the unknown. When something hasn’t happened yet, the mind tries to anticipate outcomes, control variables and prepare for the worst. This process activates the nervous system as if the danger were real. Interestingly, when the event begins, attention shifts from anticipation to action. This focus reduces the discomfort associated with anxiety and explains why so many people feel relief once the situation finally happens.
The impact of anticipatory anxiety on everyday life
When this type of anxiety becomes frequent, it can start to affect everyday life. It can interfere with sleep, make it difficult to concentrate and lead to procrastination or avoidance of important situations. The mind remains occupied with future scenarios, leaving little room for the present. Over time, this constant emotional exhaustion can contribute to a state of mental fatigue and an increase in general stress.
The role of the nervous system in anticipatory anxiety
Anticipatory anxiety keeps the nervous system in a state of continuous activation. The body reacts as if it were facing a real threat, releasing cortisol and adrenaline. Even at rest, the body remains in vigilance mode, making deep relaxation difficult. This prolonged activation explains why anticipatory anxiety can be so tiring, even when nothing is happening.
How CBD can help reduce anticipatory anxiety
CBD acts on the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate the stress response, mood and emotional balance. By promoting a calmer state, CBD can reduce the intensity of the emotional reaction associated with anticipatory thoughts. It doesn’t eliminate worries or prevent thoughts, but it can help create more space between the thought and the physical reaction, reducing the sense of urgency and tension.
When and how to use CBD in contexts of anticipatory anxiety
CBD can be used preventatively, before situations that normally generate anxiety, or as a regular support to reduce the ‘normal’ level of stress. Many people benefit more from consistent use than from taking it only occasionally. The ideal time and dose vary from person to person, and it is important to observe the body’s response and adjust gradually.
Complementary strategies to CBD to deal with anticipation
In addition to CBD, there are simple practices that help reduce anticipatory anxiety. Conscious breathing, writing thoughts out of your mind, questioning doomsday scenarios and reducing constant stimuli are all effective strategies. CBD can facilitate these practices by decreasing emotional activation, making it easier to get out of the cycle of suffering from anticipation.
Realistic expectations
Anticipatory anxiety is part of the human experience and does not need to be completely eliminated. The aim is to reduce its intensity and impact, allowing you to cope better with uncertainty. CBD can support this process, but the benefits come with consistency, self-knowledge and a more compassionate approach to yourself.
Conclusion
Feeling anxious before a problem is part of human nature. By understanding anticipatory anxiety and learning to deal with it, you can reduce unnecessary suffering. CBD can be a natural ally on this path, helping you to respond more calmly to thoughts of the future and live in the present with greater peace of mind.