Life after COVID lockdown – considering anxiety in the new normal

Living in a “COVID normal” world is a new reality for many across Australia, however depending on where we are located, we are all approaching this from a different situation. People living in Victoria are gradually re-emerging after more than 100 consecutive days living in stage 4 lockdown restrictions and while some people are excited to get back out, others are a little more apprehensive.

One of the big considerations for many Australians who have spent extended time in lockdown is how we will ease back into physical socialising. Reintroducing a social element to life has caused many new and existing forms of mental illness and anxiety to flare up.

Living through a global pandemic is enough to instil anxiety and fear into anyone; particularly those separated from their families, those living with disability or an immune compromising condition, our elderly population, both in care facilities or at home and those living alone. It is important to recognise some of the feelings that we may be experiencing and when they create challenges for us to be prepared with the tools to overcome these.

Recognising what we lost during the COVID lockdown

During lock down many of us have experienced a loss of control over our own lives and environments. We know that spread of the virus occurs through some human contact and this factor has heightened anxiety around the reintroduction of socialising, even with our nearest and dearest. Fears of contracting and unknowingly spreading the virus has, for some, slowed a return to interaction.

Recognising what we have learnt during the COVID lockdown

One thing we have learnt to do is adapt, and fast. With technology becoming the only channel of communication for us for a short period of time, we have learnt how to substitute real-life communication through our devices. Although aspects of pre-pandemic life will remerge, the way we’ve learnt to adapt with technology will remain in some instances.

The expectation of returning to a pre-COVID social routine, is a less appealing idea for many individuals who have fallen into a routine and balanced arrangement between work, home and socialising.

Building and fostering connection – why it is important

Psychologist Caroline Anderson explains “there is a small connection that happens over social media. You can be in the loop about where people are or what they are doing, for example, but in terms of a benefit to our wellbeing, it’s the face-to-face connection that really makes a difference.” she says.¹

Even in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, social needs are placed higher than esteem and self-actualisation needs. These social needs can include things such as love, acceptance and belonging. These needs for emotional and physical connection drive our human behaviours.

The absence of fulfilling these needs over long periods of time can lead to depression, anxiety and loneliness.

Tips to ease back into social life

We have been advised by the government for months to ‘stay home’, leading to the understanding that our homes are the safest place to be to help prevent the spread of the virus.

For many, this extended period being confined inside our own homes and creating our ultimate comfort zone, has left some reluctant to venture too far outside of our controlled and safe environments. However, the more we refrain from these activities, the more jarring to us they become as we break away from our common routines.

Old behaviour such as going to the pub or catching public transport has triggered concerns for some who may question whether returning to these activities are too ‘risky’ for them at this time.

But the more we do something, the more it comes naturally to us. This is why the exposure method is one of the most effective ways to address social anxiety, the more you put yourself in the deep end, the more you will re-sensitise yourself to the stimuli that you once found overwhelming. For some of us, currently even general chit chat can feel somewhat stunted.

Begin with socialising around the people you feel most comfortable around and in smaller groups. This gradual exposure socialising with the ones you feel most comfortable around will prepare you for the next step, larger crowds.

One of the most important things to remember is that you need to set clear boundaries and never feel afraid to say no to someone if you are feeling uncomfortable. Re-introducing socialising into your life post-COVID doesn’t mean it has to happen all at once, take it at your own pace.

Continue to take the precautions which help make you feel safer when venturing out, keep your trusty hand sanitiser close to you, leave a small bottle in your bag or car and a pump for at home, and keep wearing masks even where it may not be necessary if doing so makes you feel safer to help stop the spread, and most importantly to keep yourself safe.

With the Andrews government just announcing $868.6 Million invested in mental health in the Victorian Budget after the year we’ve had in 2020, this year ahead will be the most important for prioritising our mental health.

• Beyond Blue provide mental health assistance 24/7 on 1300 22 4636, or you can choose to either call the hotline or chat online to someone at https://www.beyondblue.org.au/. If you experience phone anxiety, you can read our Inform article about “5 ways to get mental health help without having to talk on the phone” here – https://www.informonline.org.au/5-ways-to-get-mental-health-help-without-having-to-talk-on-the-phone/
• The Australian Psychological Society have compiled some useful fact sheets for transitioning to “the new normal” after COVID-19: https://www.psychology.org.au/getmedia/326b37e4-4271-4aa2-b410-81e175f237eb/20APS-IS-COVID-19-Public-The-New-Normal-P1.pdf
• Independence Australia provides counselling and psychology services for those living with a disability, for more information about our mental health services, visit https://www.independenceaustralia.com.au/counselling-psychology/
• To read our full article on Human Connection, friendships and metal health with Psychologist Caroline Anderson, please visit https://www.informonline.org.au/human-connection-friendships-mental-health/¹

 

This article is sponsored by Independence Australia, a social enterprise that provides choices for people living with a disability or other personal need, enabling them to regain and retain their independence within a supportive community.

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