Counselor Talks - Yonsu Yi - Anticipatory Anxiety

Summary

Yan Su, a counselor at ASU Counseling Service, addresses the common issue of anticipatory anxiety among college students, which stems from fear of the unknown future. She emphasizes that uncertainty is a natural part of life and encourages students to identify areas of control in their present lives to stay grounded in the moment. Su offers practical advice to manage this anxiety and invites students to seek further support from ASU Counseling Service.

Takeaways

• 😀 Yan Su introduces herself as a counselor at ASU Counseling Services and expresses her enjoyment in helping proactive students enhance their lives.
• 🔍 The video focuses on 'anticipatory anxiety,' a common issue among college students who feel increased anxiety about future events.
• 🕊 Anticipatory anxiety is normal and natural, experienced in various aspects of life, from mundane tasks to significant life events like job interviews.
• 🎓 In college, triggers for anticipatory anxiety can range from writing emails to professors to more significant events like presentations, internship interviews, test results, GPA concerns, and graduation.
• 🤔 The core of anticipatory anxiety is the fear of uncertainty and the unknown, which can lead to feelings of helplessness and stress.
• 🌪 The fear of uncertainty can pull individuals away from the present, causing them to worry excessively about an uncontrollable future.
• 💪 To manage anticipatory anxiety, it's important to recognize that uncertainties are a part of life and can also bring excitement and positive anticipation.
• 📝 Identify areas of life where you have control and those where you do not, to help stay grounded in the present moment.
• 🏠 Recognize what aspects of your life you have complete control over and name them to focus on what you can influence.
• 🚫 Acknowledge the areas of life you have no control over and accept that you cannot influence these aspects.
• 🛤️ Identify areas where you have some control and rename them to reflect your ability to make a difference in these aspects of your life.
• 📞 The video encourages viewers to reach out to ASU Counseling Services for further support if needed.

Q & A

Who is Yan Su and what role does she have at ASU?

Yan Su is a counselor at ASU Counseling Services.

What does Yan Su enjoy most about working with ASU students?

Yan Su enjoys the opportunities to meet and work with students who are proactive about enhancing their lives.

What is anticipatory anxiety?

Anticipatory anxiety is characterized by increased anxiety and panic about events expected to happen in the future.

Why does Yan Su believe the topic of anticipatory anxiety is important?

Yan Su believes it is important because it is very common among college students and anxiety about the future is normal and natural.

Can you give examples of events that might trigger anticipatory anxiety in college students?

Examples include writing emails to a professor, an in-person presentation, an upcoming interview for an internship, underperformed test results or GPA, upcoming graduation, and imagining future life after graduation.

What is the common underlying factor in anticipatory anxiety?

The common underlying factor is fear, particularly the fear of uncertainty.

How does the fear of uncertainty affect individuals experiencing anticipatory anxiety?

The fear of uncertainty can be overwhelming and stressful, taking individuals far from the present and leaving them in an unknown future situation, which can make them feel helpless and anxious.

What is one way to manage anticipatory anxiety according to Yan Su?

One way to manage anticipatory anxiety is to identify areas of your life where you have control, areas where you don't have control, and areas where you have some control, and focus on staying in the present moment.

Why is it important to distinguish between areas of life where you have control and those where you don't?

It is important because recognizing these areas helps you stay in the present moment and focus on what you can do now, rather than trying to control an unknown future.

How can ASU Counseling Services support students dealing with anticipatory anxiety?

ASU Counseling Services can provide further support and guidance for students dealing with anticipatory anxiety.