{"id":240683,"date":"2020-08-04T06:10:29","date_gmt":"2020-08-04T13:10:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/?p=240683"},"modified":"2021-10-06T17:14:20","modified_gmt":"2021-10-07T00:14:20","slug":"re-entry-anxiety-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/lifestyle\/re-entry-anxiety-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Do You Have ‘Re-Entry Anxiety?’ Here’s How to Cope With Your Fears As Society Reopens"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Image via Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It\u2019s pretty much impossible to forget that we’re in the middle of what nearly everyone is calling \u201cchallenging and unprecedented times.” We’re constantly reminded of the global pandemic via commercials, news segments, social media posts, conversations, and more. With shifting health recommendations<\/a>, increasing caseload counts, and unanswerable questions around how long this will last, the only constant throughout the pandemic has been the uncertainty around it. We\u2019re learning as we go and it\u2019s exhausting.<\/p>\n

Unsurprisingly, all of this can lead to anxiety, even in individuals who may not have described themselves as anxious before. As it is, around 19 percent of Americans<\/a> already suffer from an anxiety disorder, and there is data to suggest that anxiety and depression are on the rise<\/a> directly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that states are re-opening and re-closing at different rates, anxiety around the pandemic has expanded to include re-entry anxiety. At least with most cities\u2019 lockdowns, we knew exactly what was open (essential businesses and that\u2019s pretty much it). Now, we have to navigate around partial reopenings with variations across neighborhoods and county lines even within the same state.<\/p>\n

Ahead are some common types of re-entry anxiety you may be experiencing (you\u2019re not alone!)–and some psychiatrist-recommended tips to help you manage them. Remember, even though most of us are isolating in some form or another, we’re still all in this together.<\/p>\n

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Image via @mandypaulino<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1. Re-entry anxiety over how to balance your desire to start socializing again with knowing the inherent dangers of crowded spaces<\/h2>\n

\u201cAs different parts of the country open up at their own speed, it’s important to realize that acting, feeling, and being normal is going to look different now. Even in places that have opened, they still look and feel different,\u201d says Dr. Allie Shapiro, M.D.<\/a> with Community Psychiatry<\/a>. Life now vs. life six months ago has dramatically changed, and the idea of \u201cnormalcy\u201d is shifting day by day, week by week, as we learn more about the virus and how to respond to it. However, she says, \u201cAccepting the change is made easier by knowing you have full control to keep yourself safe. Wearing protective gear and staying vigilant, as we are now all accustomed to doing, drastically reduces the risk of infection.\u201c<\/p>\n

Dr. Shapiro says that one way to manage social anxiety is to start by socializing in small groups with close friends or family. \u201cIt\u2019s far easier\u2014and safer\u2014to begin the resocialization process with people you know and trust well. Remind yourself about the importance of having a social support system and letting friends know when you need help.\u201d Open communication is key. Let people know what you\u2019re comfortable with, what concerns you may have, and how you want to socialize if you choose to do so.<\/p>\n

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2. Anxiety about going out, even if things are opening up again<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s completely normal to be nervous to start going to places outside your home<\/a>, even if they are open, especially as things open up at different speeds with different restrictions. \u201cYou have every right to take things at your own pace. You\u2019re not obligated to do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or puts you at risk,\u201d says Dr. Shapiro. The important thing is to make decisions that are right for you; it\u2019s counterproductive to go out just to go out if that ultimately makes you more anxious than just staying at home. \u201cThere are a lot of different factors that will affect when you feel it\u2019s the best time to start venturing out. Think about your age, health history, quarantine situations, and even your own anxiety when taking that next step outside.\u201d<\/p>\n

3. Anxiety about being around people outside who might be infected<\/h2>\n

\u201cThe biggest fear I\u2019ve heard from patients is about unmasked people coming up behind them on walks or runs without warning, and feeling unsafe while trying to improve their emotional and physical health<\/a>. The fear of being infected, for most, is coming from a genuine place,\u201d says Dr. Shapiro. She notes the best way to deal with this re-entry anxiety is to recognize that the only person you can control is yourself. Everyone has different levels of risk tolerance and is making their own decisions accordingly. Focus instead on what you are comfortable with and take the precautions to make yourself feel safe.<\/p>\n

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4. Anxiety over seeing everyone wearing masks<\/h2>\n

The CDC recommends<\/a> wearing face coverings<\/a> in public, especially when you can\u2019t maintain social distance from others. But while masked-up<\/a> faces are important for public safety and health, they can have an impact on you personally. Says, Dr. Shapiro, \u201cSeeing faces is a very important aspect of our socialization. Not seeing faces removes that familiarity and connection. \u201cWe are used to looking at people\u2019s faces for visual cues such as a friendly smile, and with masks, it is near impossible to catch these non-verbal expressions.<\/p>\n

Dr. Shapiro recommends remembering why the masks are in there in the first place. \u201d[People] are keeping themselves, and you, safe. The masks also serve as a visual reminder that while things are \u2018open,\u2019 the underlying problem is not gone. It\u2019s called a pandemic for a reason, in that it affects the entire world. Everyone is in this together.\u201d<\/p>\n

5. Anxiety about the pandemic even if it seems like others aren\u2019t scared<\/h2>\n

Understand that your own feelings and anxieties are valid, regardless of how other people are dealing with the situation. \u201cRemember, no one has ever been through anything like this in the modern world. So no one really knows how to do it \u2018right,\u2019 says Dr. Shapiro. \u201cEven the experts don\u2019t have all the answers, so it\u2019s normal to have your own uncertainties and doubts.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Image via @nerissaanela<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Some additional tips for managing your re-entry anxiety during this time include:<\/h4>\n