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Sometimes, I find myself overwhelmed. “I’m not sure I want to return,” I confide to my partner. “What if when we can finally reconnect, I just don’t feel like it?” Struggling with severe social anxiety, I’ve found the isolation brought on by the pandemic to be a surprisingly comforting change. Reopening anxiety is a reality for many, especially those managing various forms of anxiety, including social anxiety, OCD, and depression.
What if I’ve forgotten how to interact with others? My ADHD complicates social situations; I often struggle with maintaining the flow of conversation. Has the pandemic worsened this challenge? Even if it hasn’t, my worries can certainly trigger intense reopening anxiety. Maybe a small voice inside me thinks I’m better off avoiding uncomfortable small talk with other parents.
Reopening Anxiety is Widespread
According to The New York Times, around 50% of us are concerned about reopening, as reported by the American Psychological Association. Many of us feel anxious about returning to face-to-face interactions, but a smaller group experiences heightened anxiety — whether from diagnosed conditions or simply being introverted. Interestingly, this smaller group may not have been as adversely affected by isolation compared to others.
I’ve missed a few friends and felt for my children, but I haven’t craved human interaction. A weekly visit to my friend Alex’s garage, enjoying a smoke and watching TV, has been more than enough for me. I look forward to visits from Jamie every couple of weeks on my porch. While I appreciate their company, I haven’t missed gatherings, small talk, or meeting new people.
For those with severe social anxiety, particularly individuals prone to panic attacks, the pandemic might have served as a “respite,” as The New York Times notes. For us, everyday social interactions can be not just exhausting but also emotionally taxing. The prospect of re-engaging socially after a pandemic feels overwhelming for many who have grown comfortable in their own bubbles.
“I’m deeply concerned about a number of my socially anxious clients,” shares Dr. Mia Thompson, a psychologist in Denver, in an interview with The New York Times.
A Range of Reopening Anxiety
What are the guidelines for safe interactions post-vaccination? The CDC indicates that my Moderna vaccine is 94.1% effective against COVID-19. However, my kids are unvaccinated. Should I be as concerned about social distancing for their sake when we venture out? If masks are still required and I find myself reminding others that six feet means six feet, what’s the point of going out?
I was never one for constant sanitizing, but the pandemic has turned me into a bit of a germaphobe (like many others). I constantly remind my kids not to touch anything in public, and I sanitize them whenever they do. I open doors with my sleeve and use pencil tips to press buttons. Following COVID-19 guidelines may inadvertently reinforce my OCD tendencies.
Strategies for Coping
Psychologists emphasize the importance of socializing. To ease reopening anxiety, they suggest starting with small gatherings with close friends outdoors, ensuring conversations don’t revolve around the pandemic. It’s crucial to choose peers who alleviate rather than heighten anxiety — like my garage buddy — over those who might increase it, such as parents I feel obligated to socialize with.
Additionally, masks can hinder social interactions, making it difficult to read facial cues. For those already struggling with social cues, this adds another layer of difficulty. Masks also serve as a constant reminder of the pandemic, perpetuating anxiety in a vicious cycle.
Psycom recommends creating a “game plan”: identify activities that evoke anxiety and rate them from one to one hundred. Then, choose something in the 30-50 range to tackle. This way, you can challenge yourself without feeling overwhelmed.
Take it at your own pace as reopening anxiety persists. It’s important to ease back into socializing without diving into the deep end right away. Those with a diagnosis or who suspect they might have one should maintain close contact with their therapist or psychiatrist during this transition. Having someone safe to confide in — whether in a clinical setting or beyond — can be invaluable.
Don’t hesitate to express your feelings. I’m genuinely frightened by the idea of returning to some semblance of normalcy, and I’m uncertain about whether I even want to. While I enjoy my comfortable bubble, I know that I need to step outside of it. Acknowledging my fears is the first step in overcoming my reopening anxiety. For more insights on managing your feelings, check out this informative blog post on reopening anxiety.
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Summary
Reopening anxiety is a common experience for many, particularly those with social anxiety, OCD, or other mental health challenges. As society begins to return to normal, it’s essential to recognize and address these feelings while gradually re-engaging socially. Strategies such as connecting with trusted friends, creating a game plan for social activities, and maintaining communication with mental health professionals can help ease the transition back into social interactions. Acknowledging your fears is the first step toward managing them effectively.