Dreading the future, or anticipatory fear, is quite common and can be quite debilitating in extreme cases. People struggle with anticipatory fear when they worry about the outcome of a future event they have never experienced before.It can also be linked to the intolerance of uncertainty which leads to indecisiveness and an increased likelihood of constant comparison. Thus, people tend to overthink the possible outcomes of their decisions.

Past negative experiences can make people feel worried that the same series of events will line up allowing the past to recreate itself.

Prior Painful Experiences

When the anticipatory fear is rooted in a past event or experience, it is often associated with dread, which can be physiologically intense and frequently associated with something ominous or traumatic in nature. Some form of trauma is often at the root of a dread response.

A study says that, if you're experiencing high levels of anticipatory fear, protective responses can lead to being unable to think clearly, being afraid to leave the house, or even being afraid of most social interactions.

Protective Responses

1. Practice Mindfulness Research has shown that mindfulness can improve emotion regulation, which is incredibly helpful in reducing stress.2. Repeat MantrasYou can repeat things like:<ul><li>I am safe</li><li>It's gonna be alright </li><li>All is well </li></ul>Saying things like this to yourself can be helpful as your search for a long-term solution.

Ways to Fight Anticipatory Fear

3. Exercise Exercising can help keep you in the present moment. This way you are forced to think about the task at hand rather than worry about the future.4. Keep a journal ﻿Keeping a journal can help you fight off hindsight bias, which is when you get caught up thinking that you had better control of past events.

Whether you have found yourself experiencing anticipatory fear as a result of past traumas or for another reason altogether, it is important to find a therapist who can help you. Specifically, it would be helpful to seek out a therapist who specializes in the treatment of anxiety, trauma, and PTSD.

5. Seeking a therapist 

It is completely normal to fear the future, but definitely take note if your fears are starting to take up a lot of your mental space. It's also important to notice if your actions are being impacted by your concerns. That said, hopefully, you can rest a little easier knowing that there are ways to get help and to move past these fears.

It happens to me..always! But it's normal, yeah. 🥲

If you the future and find yourself feeling fearful or anxious from those thoughts, you may have a fear of the future. Here are some tips to help you address your fears.

Understand yourself and those around you.

psychology

Psychology

personaldevelopment

Personal Development

health

Health

mentalhealth

Mental Health

communication

Communication

Future Fears 

Random thoughts buzzing in my headAgony in my chestBlurry and uncertain futureKilling my presentTime flies within eye blinksYeah..too much pressureBut I don't careRandom thoughts buzzing in my head

Well..it's a self composed poem..but sounds like a rhyme 

3 AM Thoughts

“The little ME wanted a swimming pool, like a swimming pool in the house. That's how I should work. But now I think having a swimming pool in the home is torture. Who would pour water? fill the pool ? clean it? close it? Lot of work growing up. I just understand a lot of things right now. It's not for me.”

Growing Up..

“It's just like random thoughts, you know the 3 am thoughts ? something like that. It's really deep, really confusing. At some point it's just so scary “What am I going to do?” And some points “Ah, I'm not going to do anything.” Sometimes, “Oh, I don't care at all. Let people do whatever they want”. Just so, so confusing. So, so sad. And It's just, so ME. I like how the things are right now. I don't want it to last forever because I'm confused and I don't want to be confused. I want to put things the right way. Have a plan in my hand. It just hits really differently.”

Future Fear

“ I just wanna be myself. I just wanna be successful and famous all over the world, yeah.”

Fame... 

“It's not like I never cared about my future. It's more like, I just want to get successful. I dunno how, but “successful” and I’m just positive about that, but don't know how . Just work and you'll get what you want.”

Thoughts About Being Sucessful

"So in class 10th
, when like moving to 11th, I had to choose which subject I should 
opt. Number one factor, our school didn't offer humanities. I just thought like..you have this taboo, not 
taboo. What is it? ...You have this hoax, like people of other streams can't ..are 
not that respected. Yeah. They're not like that respected as science people and 
like humanities people are not respected as commerce people and science 
people are the top most respectable person. That thing. And I, I just fear that in 
our system, I wouldn't have that many choices if I opted to humanities."

Selection Of Streams 

“And it wouldn't be nice to live my ambitions. Like I’ll just list it down whatever I 
had. Starting of President, Prime minister, Chief minister and Architect. And I 
can't even do basic math and I can't draw. So, I'm a dumb person when it comes 
to what directions. So, and, and I never dreamed of being a doctor. It's just too
 far. No, no blood at all. I don't despise of being doctor, but it's just like, I can't be 
doctor. It's just too demanding. And like every day, every week I switched my dream job. But at the end of the 
day, all I wanted was a really nice life.”

Unrealistic Ambitions 

career

Career

Teenage Dreams and Confusion 

You ever felt like you are no good? Doubting your capabilities and accomplishments? Feeling low about yourself? Well, then you're not the only one. At least I am here battling with my scary thoughts like you.Here are a few things that can help you to be sure of yourself.

Scary Thoughts...

"Miracles happen only when you come out of your comfort zone." I know it's simply said than done. But trust me, start with small steps. You are certainly going to see the change over time. And remember, don't be super hard on yourself. "Pushing your limits" and "Pushing past your limits " have different outcomes.

Come Out Of Your Comfort Zone

That may be true...You either over-estimate yourself or undervalue the talents of the people around you. And as a matter of fact, It will be really painful and disheartening once you know the real truth. "Never think less of yourself, instead think yourself less"

Stop Over-estimating Yourself 

Were you indecisive while making your career choices? Couldn't you answer when somebody asked you about your favorites? Is it hard for you to list out your strengths and weaknesses? If so, you may be lacking self-awareness. We are always interested in knowing others' stuff, while at the same time, we don't bother to care about our own priorities.

Know Your Priorities 

Many things in the world would make us depressed. But never let them overpower you. Remember, everything will be simple if you know these three things - your real potential, what matters to you, and at last, be brave enough to challenge yourself.No doubt about it - You Are Worthy!!

Never Let Them Overpower You

( P.S. I am jotting down this to save myself from those overwhelming instants ) Hey ppl ! How is the title of this article?  I wanted it to be kinda rhyming, catchy and impactful. Do let me know if you like it.

mindfulness

Mindfulness

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Motivation & Inspiration

Self- Doubt : Kick it out! 

It was the summer of 2020 and I was enjoying my holidays with my family. This was when covid cases in India started spiking and the lockdown was implemented for the first time. I took no notice of it and the lockdown felt nothing more than an extended summer vacation. Only after six months, I realized the changes taking place in my everyday life.

In The Summer Of 2020....

It was a whole new scenario, a situation I had never imagined. From my classes to exams, it was all done online. It forced me to use those digital gadgets that I wasn’t used to. I started using social media every day, texting my friends, gazing videos, and so on. That’s when I started to worry about a lot of stuff.

Life In Pandemic

The isolation brought on by lockdown and strict social distancing made me feel lonely. It was a strange feeling because, although I appreciated spending time with my parents and siblings, I missed my friends and school much. I found a lot of trouble learning online and I was a bit helpless with my studies.

Covid Fears

On top of that, the uncertainty prevailing on my examinations made conditions further worse. On the other hand, the number of covid related deaths was alarmingly increasing, which made me anxious to the core. Though I had a lot of leisure time, I felt tired and troubled. My daily schedule was also not as systematic as it used to be before the lockdown.

Increasing Anxiety

I know, I was struggling. But I didn’t give into it. My parents were extremely supportive during these difficult times. They made me follow a consistent routine, balancing my studies and other activities. I started taking responsibilities at home, trying new skills and hobbies like baking, organizing my room, gardening, etc.

Being Resilient

Also, daily exercises helped me a lot. Even our school encouraged us positively to take part in these activities on the occasion of International Yoga Day, National Sports Day, etc. by arranging some helpful Webinars. I began practicing yoga and meditations and some home exercises. It gave me the peace of mind I wanted.

Exercise And Motivation

It’s more than a year now and a lot has changed. Everything seems to turn normal. Our schools are reopened and I am glad to see my friends after such a long time. And of course, this covid period is going to be a lifetime memory.

A Lot Has Changed

Mental Health In Pandemic : A Story Of A Teenager

Every day we face many things or situations that frighten us. It can be heights, spiders, elevators, public speaking, or your first date. Nobody is without fear - no normal person is. But those individuals perceived as courageous manage their fears in ways and overcome them that may offer models to others.

Nobody Is Without Fear

Many things you fear now can be faced squarely and eventually enjoyed.For example, you may be terrified of getting on to a stage to face a large audience and give a speech, but if you face the terror and learn to address a large audience boldly, you may find you have been missing something pleasurable all these years.

Do The Thing You Fear

To get our fear out into the open and frankly face it is of primary importance.

Being mindful of one's thoughts, acknowledging your fears, and maintaining positive hope can do much to manage your daily fears.Control your thoughts and be in present. Overthinking can also lead to unnecessary fears and doubts of even that you are confident about.

Hope For The Best 

Sometimes you've got to force yourself to act unafraid, and before you know it, it will be true.

Pretend As If Your Fears Didn't Exist

There were all kinds of things of which I was afraid at first, but by acting as if I wasn't afraid I gradually ceased to be afraid. Most men can have the same experience if they choose.

You'll appreciate life once you stop being afraid of it. Remember, Into each life some rain must fall - but why open your umbrella while the sun is shining?Be fearless! Be brave!

Future Fears

3 AM Thoughts

Teenage Dreams and Confusion

Self- Doubt : Kick it out!

Mental Health In Pandemic : A Story Of A Teenager

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