Having anxiety about returning to normal? Expert explains what you can do to cope
Things are slowly returning to normal in Maryland and across the country after more than a year of living with pandemic safety precautions.
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But many report feelings of anxiety at letting go of those safety measures.
Many have adjusted to the pandemic way of life and have incorporated precautions into their daily lives. And while much of those precautions are still in place for now, doctors said eventually flipping back won't be so easy for some.
"I think the first thing to note is that it’s totally normal to have this sort of anxiety," said Dr. Elizabeth Stuart, of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Some pandemic restrictions are easing but Stuart said they've been hearing more and more about people having anxiety about resuming some normalcy after more than a year living with pandemic restrictions.
"We have been sort of separated and for some people, that itself was very hard and for others, people got used to it and I think the idea of being in crowded places and sort of interacting and having to go back to our social interactions is going to be a challenge for some people," Stuart said.
Stuart said large crowds are one big area of concern. Another is going into public places, indoors without a mask, even if you're vaccinated. She recommends taking the transition slowly.
"Going for your evening walk without your mask on and sort of taking those baby steps towards thinking more about openness but it doesn't have to be zero to 100. We can start taking small measures here and there," Stuart said.
Stuart said life isn't going to suddenly revert back to normal, it will be a gradual change, and no one quite knows what the post pandemic world will look like.
She said it’s important to recognize that everyone is going to be at a different comfort level as things start to reopen.
"And just again being really open to have those conversations and come to an understanding of what everyone involved is comfortable with so that people can feel included," she said.
Stuart said if you're having trouble getting through daily activities during the transition, it's time to talk to a professional.