Managing COVID-Related Anxiety During the Reopening Phases

Managing COVID-Related Anxiety During the Reopening Phases

By Jennifer Bakal

Throughout this challenging time of the COVID-19 pandemic, you have been expected to isolate in your homes. As social creatures, this is not a normal state of being, and you may have had difficulty adjusting to the lack of social interaction and connection. Consequences of the pandemic and quarantine have led individuals to experience anxiety, panic attacks, depression, substance abuse, work/school related issues, financial strain, relationship issues, and family conflict. Those now working from home have had to adjust to major changes in lifestyle. Couples and families have had to adjust to distant learning and must cope with the challenges of always being home together. We all endured the experience of only leaving home for essentials, and wearing masks in public. Although these circumstances are trying, we have not had any choice but to adapt.

Just when you have acclimated to this new normal, you must now adapt to the the reopening of city life. Although COVID-19 continues to pose a risk, many states, including New York and New Jersey, have slowly embarked on their reopening phases. This reopening presents challenges, as you must now adjust to another “new normal.” Consequently, this may cause increased stress and anxiety. There may be a part of you that feels excited about the prospect of returning to “normal activities,” but you may also feel nervous. This can lead to a state of anxiety. Anxiety is a normal reaction of fear of the unknown.

If you are feeling anxious, it is important to recognize that you may not feel emotionally ready to re-engage and resume activities at the same pace as the re-openings. It is okay to wait until you feel emotionally ready and safe to enter a place of business or service, and not to feel and not to feel pressured by others to socialize before you are ready. Take everything at your own pace, and remember you are allowed to sat “not yet.”

It may be helpful to learn about how your local businesses are practicing safety precautions. By taking time to understand how local businesses are taking safety measures, you may gain a greater sense of control. Another way to overcome your anxiety is to take “baby” steps. For instance, if you are feeling stressed about leaving your home, begin by taking short walks. Eventually, you may feel less anxious and start to feel more comfortable entering a store, a restaurant, a hair salon, a nail salon, or a doctor’s office. It can also be helpful to engage in activities that may help to soothe your anxiety including meditation, exercise, and deep breathing. If your anxiety interferes with your functioning and begins to impact your sleep patterns, eating patterns, and ability to practice self-care, it is important to get help, and you are urged to consider seeking professional support.