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By Sarah Mitchell
Updated: April 8, 2021
Originally Published: April 6, 2021
Image Credit: Juanmonino/Getty
I sometimes find myself in tears. “I’m not sure I want to return,” I confide in my partner. “What if, when things open up again, I don’t feel like going out?” My intense social anxiety has found an unexpected, albeit welcome, ally in the pandemic. The fear of reopening is very real for me and many others grappling with various forms of anxiety: social anxiety, OCD, and even depression.
What if I’ve forgotten how to interact with others? My ADHD already complicates social situations; I struggle with conversational turn-taking and staying engaged in discussions. Has the pandemic made this even harder? Regardless, the worry alone is enough to trigger significant anxiety about reopening. A quiet voice in my head suggests that perhaps I don’t want to go back to the way things were. Maybe I’m relieved to avoid 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 stated by the American Psychological Association. We feel anxious about resuming in-person interactions, attending face-to-face meetings, and even engaging in small talk. However, a smaller group within that half experiences heightened concerns: those suffering from severe anxiety, diagnosed or not; individuals with OCD; or simply people who are more introverted. Interestingly, this smaller group might not have endured isolation as severely as some others.
Personally, I’ve missed a few friends and felt for my kids—the hardest part—but I haven’t found myself yearning for social interaction. I enjoy my weekly visits to my friend Alex’s garage, where we smoke and watch TV. When Jamie drops by every couple of weeks, I’m thrilled to see them, yet I haven’t missed parties or gatherings.
For those with severe social anxiety, particularly those prone to panic attacks, the pandemic may have provided a temporary reprieve, as noted by The New York Times. We’re individuals who find everyday interactions not only draining but emotionally overwhelming. Re-engaging with the world post-pandemic? That’s a daunting challenge for many of us who have grown comfortable in our insulated spaces.
“I’m genuinely concerned for my socially anxious clients,” stated Dr. Lisa Hartman, a psychologist based in Seattle, in an interview with The New York Times.
A Lot of Us Are Feeling This Way
What are the safety protocols for gatherings after vaccinations? The CDC asserts that my Moderna vaccine is 94.1% effective against COVID-19. Yet, my kids remain unvaccinated. Should I be as cautious for their sake when we venture out? If we still must wear masks and remind others that six feet means six feet, what’s the point of leaving home?
I was never a frequent sanitizer, but the pandemic has turned me into a bit of an obsessive cleaner (like many of us). I find myself constantly reminding my kids to avoid touching public surfaces and sanitizing them when they do. I use my sleeve to open doors and pencil tips to press buttons. The COVID-19 guidelines may inadvertently reinforce obsessive tendencies.
Strategies for Coping
Psychologists emphasize the importance of socializing. To manage reopening anxiety, they suggest gradually reconnecting with a few close friends outdoors and steering clear of conversations fixated on the pandemic. It’s also vital to choose companions who help reduce anxiety—like my garage buddy—rather than those who amplify it, such as other parents at playdates.
Moreover, masks can exacerbate reopening anxiety. They hinder our ability to read social cues since we can’t see facial expressions, making interactions even more challenging for those of us already struggling in that area. Plus, masks serve as constant reminders of the pandemic, which can trigger a cycle of anxiety.
Psycom recommends creating a “game plan”: list activities that induce anxiety and rate them from one to one hundred. Then, select something in the 30-50 range to tackle. This approach helps build confidence without overwhelming you.
Take your time as you navigate reopening anxiety. It’s important to push yourself, but you don’t have to dive into large gatherings immediately. Start small and gradually increase your comfort level.
For those diagnosed with anxiety or those who suspect they may have a clinical condition, maintaining close communication with a therapist or psychiatrist during this transition is crucial. Having a safe outlet to express your feelings—whether in a clinical setting or outside of it—can be incredibly beneficial.
And remember, it’s okay to admit your fears. I’m scared about returning to normalcy and unsure if I want to. While I enjoy my bubble, I recognize the necessity of stepping outside it. Acknowledging that fear is the first step in overcoming my reopening anxiety.
This article was originally published on April 6, 2021.
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