Sometimes, I find myself overwhelmed by emotions. “I’m not sure I want to return to normal life,” I confide in my partner. “I worry that when things open up again, I might not be ready.” I struggle with intense social anxiety; the pandemic’s isolation has inadvertently provided a sense of relief from awkward social interactions and small talk. Reopening anxiety is a genuine concern for me and for many who face various forms of anxiety, including social anxiety, OCD, and depression.
What if I’ve forgotten how to engage with others? My ADHD complicates social situations; I often struggle with conversational turn-taking and staying focused. Has the pandemic intensified these challenges? Even if it hasn’t, the fear alone is enough to create significant anxiety. A little voice inside me suggests perhaps 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 harbor concerns about reopening, based on findings from the American Psychological Association. We dread returning to in-person interactions, face-to-face meetings, and small talk. However, a smaller group within that half experiences heightened concern—whether due to severe anxiety, OCD, or simply being introverted. Interestingly, this smaller group may not have found isolation as challenging as others.
Personally, I’ve missed a few friends and worried about my children, but I haven’t felt an urgent need for social contact. I enjoy my weekly visits with my friend Tom in his garage, where we relax and watch TV. When Sarah visits every couple of weeks, I gladly welcome her, but the thought of parties or gatherings doesn’t appeal to me.
For individuals grappling with significant social anxiety, particularly those prone to panic attacks, the pandemic may have provided a welcome break. As The New York Times notes, for many, navigating daily social interactions can be exhausting and emotionally taxing. Returning to social life post-pandemic feels daunting, especially for those who’ve become accustomed to their safe spaces.
Psychologist Andrea Wells from Denver expressed her concerns about her socially anxious patients as they face the prospect of re-engagement.
Navigating Reopening Anxiety
What are the safety guidelines for in-person meetings now that vaccines are available? The CDC indicates that my Moderna vaccine offers a 94.1% effectiveness against COVID-19. Yet, my children remain unvaccinated. Should I adjust my precautions for their sake when we venture out? If masks are still required and we find ourselves reminding others about social distancing, what’s the point of leaving home?
While I was never overly cautious about germs, COVID-19 has turned me into a compulsive sanitizer. I constantly instruct my kids not to touch public surfaces, and I sanitize them when they do. I open doors with my sleeve and use pencil tips to press buttons. The pandemic has only amplified my OCD tendencies.
Strategies to Cope
Experts suggest that socialization is essential for addressing reopening anxiety. To ease back into social interactions, they recommend starting with a few trusted friends in outdoor settings, ensuring that discussions don’t center exclusively on COVID-19. It’s also vital to choose social companions wisely—those who comfort us, like my buddy Tom, versus those who may heighten our anxiety, like certain parents at playdates.
Furthermore, masks can exacerbate reopening anxiety by hiding facial expressions and social cues, making interactions even more challenging for those who struggle with reading them. This can create a frustrating cycle of anxiety.
Psycom advises creating a “game plan”: identify anxiety-inducing activities, rate them from one to one hundred, and then tackle something in the 30-50 range. This way, you challenge yourself enough to feel accomplished without overwhelming yourself.
Take your time as you navigate reopening anxiety. It’s essential to gradually reintroduce yourself to social settings rather than plunging into overwhelming situations right away. For those with diagnosed anxiety or who suspect they have a clinical issue, maintaining regular contact with a therapist or psychiatrist is crucial.
It’s okay to acknowledge your feelings. I’m scared about returning to normalcy, and I admit I enjoy my bubble, but I know I need to step outside of it. Acknowledging this fear is the first step toward overcoming my reopening anxiety.
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Summary
Reopening anxiety is a common experience, particularly for those with social anxiety and other related conditions. As society transitions back to normal, many individuals feel apprehensive about engaging in social interactions after a long period of isolation. Experts recommend starting small, socializing with trusted friends, and creating a plan to ease back into social activities. It’s essential to recognize and validate these feelings as part of the healing process.
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