Understanding anticipatory anxiety during key life transitions

‘Tis the season of life transitions with many people graduating and moving on to the next chapter of their lives. Transitions often bring with them stress and anxiety about the “what ifs,” which is also known as anticipatory anxiety. Unfortunately, anticipatory anxiety impacts the brain similarly to how an actual threat impacts the brain, which can lead to distress and avoidance. In this Monitor on Psychology article by Charlotte Huff, anticipatory anxiety is explained and helpful strategies for managing it are presented.

-JEANNINE MONNIER, PH.D.

Read more here: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2025/06/anticipatory-anxiety