Since the pandemic started, time has become an interesting construct. Life before the lockdown may feel like a lifetime ago. While the Covid era might seem well behind some, for others, Covid is part of the fabric of our lives, consciously or unconsciously.
Much of the world has returned to a new normal, and restrictions put in place have been scaled back, if not removed altogether. Moving forward is inevitable, but there are many people still struggling with post-covid life.
Maybe you were anxious in the midst of the pandemic — you would be in the majority if that’s the case. Re-learning how to navigate daily life may also have caused you some anxiety. If either of those is the case, there’s a good chance lifting these safety net restraints may be impacting it further.
The Uncertainty Factor
Much of your anxiety is fueled by the unknown. Living in a state of uncertainty can increase anxiety levels. Unfortunately, since the pandemic started (truly before that), all the world had was unknowns about where the virus came from, how it would affect people, and how to stay safe.
Not knowing what to expect in different settings can be triggering for anxiety. Also, worrying about what may or may not happen if you venture into normal routines or habits can also cause your mind to spiral.
A natural response to uncertainty is grasping for control. Anxiety has a tendency to make us feel out of control, so we try to cling to what control we can grab in a desperate attempt to quell our fears. Unfortunately, it only makes matters worse. The more you try to control things, the more anxious you will likely feel.
Dealing with the Opposite Side
If one thing has been apparent over the course of the pandemic, there was a pretty thick line of division in viewpoints. The two sides of the fence battled each other over who was “right.”
For those who believe restraints and restrictions should never have been in place, this return to normal is long overdue. But for anyone who values those restrictions, it can be anxiety-inducing.
What’s worse is worrying about what encounters you may have in social settings because of this. Sadly, people minding their own business and being decent isn’t always the case. Everyone feels very strongly that their opinion is the correct one, and sometimes that leads to tension. That confrontation, or the thought of it, can increase anxious feelings.
Managing Germs and Your Health
There is still a good percentage of people who are either affected by Covid or fall in the at-risk population. Having restraints lifted could pose a challenge for you if you find yourself in either of these categories.
Most of the restraints placed were not sustainable for long-term use. You now need to learn how to return to life, but maybe with new habits that help ward off germs that could be harmful to you. Trying to figure out what exactly that looks like can cause you to feel anxious.
Return to Work
When the lockdown started, the work culture experienced a permanent change. Essential workers were faced with new guidelines and experienced uncharted stressors. The rest of the workforce shifted to work from home or some hybrid mix.
With change can come anxiety. There can be anxiety even for positive changes, like returning to a new version of normal. There needs to be an adjustment period for re-acclimating to regular life and practices.
Whether it be from social anxiety, fear of illness, or just the transition period while things shift back to some normalcy, anxiety is a normal response. If you are struggling with the post-covid shift, schedule a consultation with us today.
Learn more about Anxiety Therapy in Colorado. Serving Boulder, Longmont, Denver.
