How to Deal with Post-Pandemic Anxiety
As vaccines are increasing and COVID-19 rates are dropping, we’re finally getting to a place where we can imagine a post-pandemic world in the near future. You may be experiencing a lot of different emotions about life after the pandemic - maybe you’re feeling a mix of excitement as well as some post-pandemic anxiety. Rest assured, feeling anxious about life after the pandemic is a very common thing to be experiencing right now! If you’re wondering how to deal with post-pandemic anxiety, there are some steps you can take below.
Why you might feel anxious about life after the pandemic
Post-pandemic anxiety is a very common experience right now, but why? One big reason is that there is still a lot of uncertainty about the future and what exactly it will look like. There’s a lot of talk about going “back to normal,” but what exactly will “normal” be like? We may be returning to in-person work and socializing, but still have some restrictions in place or continuing to wear masks in some situations. That uncertainty about what the future will look like can be anxiety-provoking.
Post-pandemic anxiety is also common because, for the last year, we’ve been in a state of survival mode where we’ve trained our brains to believe that being around other people is dangerous. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, it made a lot of sense to have a heightened fear response to seeing other people. Letting go of that fear isn’t going to happen overnight. As we move into a post-pandemic world, it makes sense that moving out of that state of fight-or-flight doesn’t happen immediately.
How to cope with post-pandemic anxiety
If you’re experiencing post-pandemic anxiety, here are some recommended strategies you can use to cope.
Go at your own pace
It’s okay to go slow and move at your own pace while returning to in-person socializing. Maybe you feel comfortable visiting with people who are vaccinated, but the thought of being in a crowd of people (even masked) doesn’t feel safe yet. Go at your own pace and continue to check in with yourself to see what feels comfortable for you.
Start small
When the world shut down last year, we went from normalcy to pandemic life in the span of a few days. Moving into life after the pandemic, your transition doesn’t have to be just as quick! You can start small, like meeting up with one friend at a time. It’s okay to start small and ease yourself back into things.
Focus on what’s within your control
When the whole world feels out of control, your mind may become overwhelmed with worrying and anxious thoughts. In those moments, it’s so important to focus on what you can control. One of the best ways to do that is through deep breathing and mindfulness techniques. Remind yourself that you’re safe and you have the control to leave any situation that feels unsafe.
Accept your feelings
Sometimes when we feel an uncomfortable emotion like anxiety, our first instinct is to try to push that feeling away and force ourselves to feel differently. Unfortunately, trying to push your anxiety away can actually make it even worse. Try to accept the way you feel, notice the way these emotions feel in your body, and accept them while they’re there. By taking this approach, you’ll find that the anxiety will become less intense.
Stick to your boundaries
If you have anxiety about life after the pandemic, you probably have boundaries about what feels safe and what still feels uncomfortable. Even if you’re vaccinated, you still might not feel safe doing things like eating indoors at a restaurant or spending time around people who aren’t vaccinated. Remember that it’s okay to have boundaries around what you’re comfortable with, even if it’s different from what other people are doing.
Talk to someone
You don’t have to sort through your post-pandemic anxiety alone. Reach out to a qualified mental health practitioner if you feel the need for additional support. A therapist can provide you with tailored interventions - like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy - to help you cope with your anxiety.
