October 18, 2021

Re-entering Society and Dealing with Anxiety After Lockdown

Re-entering Society and Dealing with Anxiety After Lockdown

Feeling anxious about re-entering society after lockdown? Here’s some tips to help

After being in lockdown more than any other city in the world, Victoria is finally getting it’s freedom. This is a joyous time where we can reunite with loved ones and live our lives once more. However, after being in lockdown for so long, many of us are left feeling anxious about re-entering society with COVID-19 still present. It is completely normal to feel this way and we have a few tips to help you navigate life after lockdown.

1. Take Your Time

Just because we’re out of lockdown doesn’t mean that you’re mentally ready to fully immerse yourself in society again. You can go at your own pace.

 2. Start Small

Start spending time with people you are most comfortable with, and you know will understand if you have to leave. Continue to evaluate your comfort level and stay as long as you need. These interactions can be as small as 15-30 minutes.

3. Remember that we have all the time in the world

After being in lockdown for so long you may feel you need to make up for lost time. Remember that now that we have the vaccine, it is unlikely we will go into lockdown again. We have so much time to do the things you’ve missed out on the past 2 years, so don’t rush it.

4. It’s okay to turn down social activities

Don’t feel guilty for declining invitations. Ask yourself “will attending this event make me happy?” If the answer is no, you are not obligated to put socializing above your mental health. Communicate with your loved ones and they will understand  

“The roadmap is a guide not an expectation. Go at your own pace”

– Chris Cheers Psychology