08/27/2026
Anticipatory anxiety is something that shows up early…way before the thing you’re feeling nervous about.
It’s your brain trying to protect you from pain it already knows is on the way.
If you’re someone who’s navigating infertility, pregnancy loss, or postpartum, the holidays can feel heavy and loaded.
You’re brain might already start preparing for questions that may arise at family gatherings, feelings you may feel that fall somewhere between Halloween and Christmas, or the social media feeds that are going to be filled with matching pj’s and pregnancy announcements.
A few things that can help:
1️⃣ Name the the dread. Anticipatory anxiety is real and naming it can make it feel a little less connected to you. It can take some of its power away.
2️⃣ Start thinking about boundaries you can put in place. Maybe that’s identifying what you will and wont do this holiday season. That may change when the time comes, but maybe it’s exactly what’s needed.
3️⃣ Identify your person to say the hard things to before the season is here. Don’t wait until you’re already in the thick of it.
You don’t have to force yourself into loving this upcoming holiday season. You just have to get through them in whatever way keeps you most intact and your mental well-being protected.🫶🏽
