For some last year, we just wanted the pandemic to end. However, as more and more people get vaccinated, restrictions are being lifted, and we are slowly returning to normal, others don’t want it to end.
Meet post-pandemic anxiety. This is when you feel anxious about returning to the outside world after the pandemic.
It can come in many different forms.
Perhaps you are anxious about catching COVID-19, even if you are vaccinated. Maybe you dread returning to your normal job instead of doing it remotely. Maybe you dread talking to people again.
There are many reasons why you may be feeling this way. In this post, we will look at some ways to cope.
Face Your Feelings
First, be honest about how you feel.
Some people don’t want to confront their emotions, instead opting to push them to the back burner. This can lead to a person exploding later on as all those bottled-up emotions backfire on them.
So look at your feelings critically. Why do you feel this way? Do you dread the workplace because of how the culture is? Are you afraid of human interaction again?
Being honest can help you find a better solution to all your problems.
This can require some honest introspection that can take you to areas of your mind that can feel a little uncomfortable, but that’s okay.
Start Slow
Some people, once all the restrictions are lifted and they are fully vaccinated, may start living in the fast lane. They may try catching up on everything while they still feel youthful. They may go on every vacation possible.
Don’t let life pressure you into taking things at your own pace. It’s been a tough year. Take your time and do things at your own pace.
If you still want to wear masks for a little while, do so. If you’re not ready to explore the world yet, do that as well.
Don’t feel like it’s one big race, as this will make you stress out even further.
Keep the Positive Traits You’ve Kept This Past Year
Many of us had some negative traits during COVID season, but we had a lot of positives as well.
For example, you may have spent time trying to learn new things, or you may have had a few hustles you got into while you were at home.
Why not spend some time continuing to grow as a person?
Respect Boundaries
If you still don’t like the idea of being touched or being close to people, that’s okay, and people should respect your boundaries as you would respect others.
This is a rule that applies before the pandemic, and after, but it’s a rule we need to think about more than ever at this point.
It’s Just Like Any Other Case of Anxiety
Another thing you should consider is that post-pandemic anxiety is like any other case of anxiety.
Just like anxiety, it’s treatable through mindfulness, meditation, and gradual exposure to your fears.
Also, therapy and medication may be able to treat it.
This isn’t to say that you have a major disorder, but the way you can treat your pandemic anxiety can be similar to your regular anxiety.
Diagnosis is Key
One way you can get help for your post-pandemic anxiety is to use remote tools that you may have used while at home. One example is online therapy.
Despite things returning to normal, online therapy is going nowhere. One website, Mind Diagnostics, gives you the ability to take an anxiety quiz and learn more about the disorder.
