Anticipatory anxiety
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What you will find on this page
What is anticipatory anxiety?
Symptoms of Anticipatory anxiety
Anticipatory Anxiety and the criminal justice system
Getting help
What is anticipatory anxiety?
Anticipatory Anxiety stems from our interpretations around possible future dangers we could encounter from an event or threat. It can happen in a lot of different contexts, but it is commonly caused by things we can’t control or predict. Anticipatory anxiety is not seen as a specific mental health disorder, it's viewed more as a symptom of a range of anxiety related disorders.
We all probably fear the thought of being in prison locked in a cell for months or years as explained when describing Prison Anxiety (Link) but when this fear becomes a reality it's normal to experience anxiety or a sense of apprehension that keeps the mind locked into a cycle of excessive worry, anticipation and panic. This can be quite debilitating and difficult to manage and in the eventuality of being imprisoned someone may experience more amplified anxiety symptoms.
When anticipatory anxiety becomes frequent, excessive, and disrupts a person’s quality of life or ability to function, it may be a sign of an underlying mental health condition.
Symptoms of Anticipatory anxiety
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Difficulty concentrating
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Trouble managing emotions and mood
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Emotional numbness
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loss of interest in your usual hobbies
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Jumpiness or restlessness
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Muscle tension and pain
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Nausea and appetite loss
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Sleep problems
Thoughts and behaviours associated with anticipatory anxiety
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Constantly analysis risks ahead
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Forecast irrational outcomes
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Unable to focus/be present
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Spend a lot of time imagining “what-if” scenarios
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May avoid guilt and acceptance of a crime
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Rumination
Anticipatory Anxiety and the criminal justice system
When facing criminal proceedings and suffering with Anticipatory anxiety its important to understand:
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The lengthy nature of criminal proceedings, especially in the case of release under investigation (RUI).
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Feeling that you can’t control your circumstances is likely to cause your anxiety levels to rise
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Fearing the unknown for long periods and not having enough information to make an accurate prediction can keep your mind racing ahead increasing the chances of developing an anxiety disorder.(3)
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When you can’t stop worrying about the future, it can dominate your thoughts and override your present,this can be a destructive way to live.(4)
The trademark of many anxiety disorders is the presence of irrational fears, yet when faced with a potential prison sentence are all fears irrational?. Due to the wealth of evidence that highlight many prisons are dangerous environments (physically and emotionally), The imposed danger of imprisonment may also activate many rational fears.
If you can answer YES to most of the questions below it is likely that you are affected by anticipatory anxiety.
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Do you experience severe anxiety or become extremely tense in the build up to attend a police station or court appearance?
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Do you dwell on negative predictions about what may happen to you if sent to prison.
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Do you often consider avoiding any of the above situations because of the increased anxiety they provoke?
Getting help
If you or someone you know start to feel overwhelmed or are feeling that anxiety is disrupting your normal habits and day to day activities its time to seek help.
It's important to recognise early how anxiety is affecting you, or any process relating to the criminal justice system. If you are struggling, reach out.
If you are looking for support we would be more than happy to help or if you would like to know more around Prison Anxiety or Anticipatory anxiety contact us.
