The pandemic disrupted every aspect of our lives. On their own, each of these changes might have been small. However, some changes proved more challenging, such as the switch to remote work and education. There were also many months of isolation and feeling nervous about whether a neighbor or family member might be positive for COVID-19 and contagious. When you combine all of these changes together, the experience quickly becomes overwhelming.
Though the world is beginning to open up again, the emotional and mental effects of the pandemic linger. More and more people – 49 %, according to the American Psychological Association – report being uncomfortable about returning to in-person social interactions. Getting vaccinated seems to have no effect on this level of social anxiety.
At Aurora Arizona, we have noticed this increased prevalence of social anxiety as well. Here’s how the pandemic has changed social anxiety and how to know when additional help is needed.
Why Are We So Nervous About Returning to Normal?
None of us had ever experienced anything like the pandemic before. After receiving very little warning, our brains were suddenly flooded with fear and safety concerns about interacting with other people.
“What if they get me sick?”
“What if I get them sick?”
“How long do I have to shelter in place?”
This fear about interactions with other people was social anxiety. While some people struggled with social anxiety before the pandemic, suddenly people who were otherwise in stable, safe environments found their sense of safety challenged. Many who did not feel fear for their own safety had concerns about effecting their loved ones or their safety.
While social anxiety can feel debilitating, it’s actually a way our brains protect us. Fear kept our ancestors aware of potential dangers, protecting them. Fear and anxiety can protect us too, but sometimes the brain doesn’t know when to stop or how to adjust. For those with social anxiety, the brain continues to signal warnings and fear around social interaction, even when the interaction is logically “safe”.
Since the pandemic hasn’t had a clear “end”, many of us continue to experience the warning signals around social interaction. For some, this has grown into uncontrollable social anxiety.
What to Do If You’re Feeling Post-Pandemic Social Anxiety
If you find yourself struggling to manage your post-pandemic social anxiety, there are some steps you can try to calm your brain’s warnings:
- Work up gradually. For some, going to visit fully-vaccinated friends and family may still make alarm bells go off. Instead of attending large gatherings, consider slowly building up to “normal” through smaller groups. Start where you’re comfortable and build from there.
- Reduce anxiety triggers. Watching the news or scrolling on social media can trigger our fight-or-flight responses. There can be a lot of different interpretations, thoughts, and opinions that can become overwhelming very quickly. Taking a break from anxiety triggers like the news or social media may help us stay calm. Out of sight, out of mind!
- Practice mental exercises to stay in control. A mental health professional can teach you techniques and coping skills through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a practice designed to help you examine ideas. Then, if the idea doesn’t serve you, you can consciously put it away and combat that anxiety.
You may need the assistance of a mental health professional to learn, practice, and use these techniques effectively.
You’re Not Alone, We’re Here to Help
This pandemic has affected us all in ways we never could have expected. For some, that means experiencing new levels of social anxiety – especially as we return to our new normal.
At Aurora Arizona, our team of specialists understand social anxiety. We can help you learn to manage these triggers and restore your quality of life as things return to a new “normal”. To learn more about our inpatient or outpatient programs, call us directly at 877.870.7012 or contact us online to schedule a free assessment (link)