I sometimes find myself tearing up. “I’m not sure if I want to return,” I tell my partner. “I’m afraid that when we finally have the chance to socialize again, I won’t feel ready.” As someone who struggles with social anxiety, the pandemic’s isolation has inadvertently provided a comforting break from playdates and awkward conversations. Reopening anxiety is a genuine concern for me and many others dealing with various forms of anxiety, including social anxiety, OCD, and even depression.
What if I’ve forgotten how to interact? My ADHD makes social situations challenging; I often struggle with taking turns in conversations and staying on topic. Has the pandemic intensified these challenges? Even if it hasn’t, my anxiety is enough to spark significant worries about reopening. Perhaps I don’t want to return, a small voice suggests. Maybe I’m relieved to escape the uncomfortable chit-chat with other parents.
Reopening Anxiety Is Widespread
According to The New York Times, nearly half of us are apprehensive about reopening, as reported by the American Psychological Association. We are anxious about resuming in-person interactions, face-to-face meetings, and small talk. However, a smaller portion of that group experiences heightened anxiety: those with severe anxiety, diagnosed or not; individuals with OCD; and those who are simply introverted. Interestingly, some in this smaller group may not have suffered as much during the isolation as others.
I certainly haven’t. I’ve missed a few friends, and my heart aches for my children — that’s probably the hardest part — but I haven’t felt a desperate need for social interaction. I enjoy my weekly visits to my friend Max’s garage, smoking and watching TV. My friend Jamie pops by every couple of weeks, and while I’m genuinely glad to see them, I haven’t missed parties, small talk, or new acquaintances.
For individuals with pronounced social anxiety, particularly those prone to panic attacks, the pandemic has, in some ways, provided a “respite,” as noted by The New York Times. We are people who find daily social interactions not only tiring but also emotionally taxing. Reentering the social scene after a pandemic? That’s a daunting task for many of us who have become accustomed to our comfortable bubbles.
“I am genuinely concerned about many of my socially anxious clients,” says Dr. Sarah Lewis, a psychologist in Denver.
There’s Plenty of Reopening Anxiety to Go Around
What are the rules for safe gatherings after vaccinations? The CDC states that my Moderna vaccine is 94.1% effective against COVID-19. But my kids haven’t been vaccinated yet. Should I worry less about social distancing for their sake if we go out? If we still need to wear masks and remind people that six feet means six feet, what’s the point of leaving home?
I was never overly cautious about sanitizing. However, COVID-19 has turned me into a bit of an obsessive sanitizer (like it has for most of us). I catch myself telling my kids not to touch things in public — all the time — and I feel compelled to sanitize them when they do. I open doors using my sleeve and push call buttons with pencil tips. The pandemic guidelines may only reinforce my OCD tendencies.
How to Cope
Psychologists emphasize the importance of socializing. To manage reopening anxiety, they suggest, as per VeryWell Mind, initiating contact with a few close friends outdoors and ensuring that discussions don’t revolve solely around the virus. It’s also crucial to choose social interactions carefully. Are the people you spend time with calming, like my garage buddy, or do they heighten your anxiety, like certain moms I’m obliged to meet for playdates?
Furthermore, we need to acknowledge that masks can be detrimental for those with reopening anxiety. They obscure faces and hinder our ability to read social cues. For those of us who already struggle with this, it can make socializing even more daunting. Additionally, masks serve as a constant reminder of the pandemic, which can trigger anxiety, creating a vicious cycle.
Psycom recommends creating a “game plan”: jot down activities that make you anxious and rate them from one to one hundred. Then choose something in the 30-50 range to tackle. This way, you’re challenging yourself enough to feel accomplished, but not so much that it feels overwhelming.
Take things at your own pace while navigating reopening anxiety. You should gradually ease back into social situations rather than dive headfirst into a large gathering. Those with a diagnosis, or who suspect they may have one, should maintain regular contact with their therapist or psychiatrist during this transition. Having someone safe to talk to, whether in a clinical setting or outside of it, can be incredibly beneficial.
Don’t shy away from expressing your feelings. I’m frightened about returning to normalcy, and I’m uncertain if I even want to. I appreciate my time at home, but I recognize the necessity of stepping out of my bubble. Acknowledging that fear is the first step toward overcoming my reopening anxiety. For a deeper dive into related topics, check out this insightful post on home insemination and visit Make a Mom for expert advice. Also, if you’re interested in pregnancy resources, Healthline offers excellent information.
Summary
Reopening anxiety is a common experience for many individuals, particularly those with social anxiety, OCD, or introverted tendencies. As we transition back to in-person interactions, it’s essential to acknowledge these feelings and take gradual steps towards socializing. Choosing the right people to connect with, creating a manageable plan, and maintaining communication with mental health professionals can help ease the anxiety surrounding this new phase.
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