Re-Opening Anxiety: Adjusting To Life As We Knew It
The idea of returning to our busy, demanding, and constantly changing lives can feel like something of a mountainous task…
Words: Hannah Franklin
“Last weekend I went out for the day with my family for my sister’s birthday. We went to a different town, not that far away, and on the train, which I haven’t been on in over a year. Neither of those are particularly out-there things to do, but, after over a year of restrictions and isolations, it felt novel to do something a little different from the norm.
The high streets were busy with people on a lively Saturday market morning. Although my attention was pulled in every direction with things to look at, I also noticed a quick jolt of uneasiness at being so close to so many people. It’s not something I might ever have given thought to before. I’ve always enjoyed visiting big cities; bustling towns and jostling crowds don’t bother me too much. But I’m not alone in now finding this busyness a little strange and sometimes overwhelming.
Since April, when non-essential shops re-opened, and the following months of gradual changes, I’ve seen a new phrase begin to show its face. Re-opening anxiety is the name for a new wave of anxiety and fear about returning to ‘normal’ pre-pandemic life as restrictions lift. Now, as all restrictions are removed and we are the closest to pre-pandemic life as we have ever been, the voice of re-opening anxiety is growing ever louder.
“We know that the pandemic has had a huge impact on our mental health and it’s clear now that these impacts might not be disappearing as soon as restrictions do. ”
Talking to family and friends, it’s clear that a lot of us still feel uneasy about these changes and for many different reasons. Many of us fear that this is a step too soon, uncertain about the wisdom of this decision and doubting about how sensible people might be in the light of new freedoms. We remember the strain on our NHS as case numbers grew and the fears of how hospitals would cope. Alongside those logistical scepticisms, many of us also face a new or revved-up version of anxiety. Many of us have grown more comfortable than we might like to admit in our own small and safe bubbles. The idea of returning to our busy, demanding, and constantly changing lives can often feel like something of a mountainous task.
So, as I returned home with my family that day, I realised that it might take some of us a little longer to get used to our ‘normal’ lives again, despite how much we missed it. I didn’t feel overwhelmingly anxious that day, perhaps more surprised and amused by the odd novelty of being around so many people. The next day, however, my phone pinged. I was greeted by a warning from the NHS Covid App that I had been in contact with someone who had tested positive and would need to isolate. Over the next few hours, the rest of my family got the same notification.
My sister joked that it was typical that after so long barely doing anything, the first time we had ventured out we ended up having to isolate immediately after. I waited for my lateral flow test result, confident that it would be negative, but I still felt that simmering bubble of anxiety. Luckily, we all tested negative and sat out the rest of our isolation time, twiddling our thumbs. But it was an odd kind of wake-up call to remember that though restrictions are lifting and clearly can’t stay forever, Covid and its effects are far from gone.
We know that the pandemic has had a huge impact on our mental health and it’s clear now that these impacts might not be disappearing as soon as restrictions do. After the turmoil of the last year, the constant barrage of negative news, and the upheaval of our routine, we’re out of practice in a lot of things we took for granted. Though it’s entirely normal to feel like this, it doesn’t make it any less frustrating to face anxiety as things change. Especially when you feel that disarming rush where you were expecting excited anticipation and enjoyment.
I sympathise with anyone who feels this way. If nothing else, it's helpful to know that you are far from alone. As we adjust to these changes, the first step to processing this anxiety is to acknowledge what we're feeling. If you can expect or accept that you might feel this way, it's less likely to catch you off-guard and can give you a little time to regroup. The rules might be changing but there are still a lot of steps you can take to feel more comfortable.
Just because restrictions have eased, doesn't mean you have to throw yourself in at the deep end - in fact, it's probably better not to. Masks, for example, will still be mandatory in some environments, while many other places will still encourage them. You can still choose to wear them, to socially distance yourself, and to avoid very busy places and times as you prefer.
“Gradual, persistent, and patient effort is just as much of a strength as anything else”
Don't be ashamed to make your boundaries clear to friends and family. You don't have to do what everyone else is doing and you're entitled to your own choices. Taking some time to talk to friends and family about your uncertainties will also help. Your support network can remind you that you're not alone, while also helping to rebuild your confidence.
Though it might feel tempting to ignore any uncomfortable situation, be sure to challenge yourself sometimes. Isolating yourself further will only increase your anxiety and make that fearful voice louder. Try making some plans in smaller groups and in quieter environments, to begin with. Plan ahead of time so you can feel prepared and remember that you can build your way up gradually; there's no rush.
Keep in place any of those activities or habits that helped you feel grounded before restrictions eased. Perhaps you took up yoga, started exercising, spent some time practising self-care in a way you enjoyed. Whatever it is, keep those familiar, soothing rituals in place to unwind and retain some familiarity amongst the changes.
The pandemic has shown us just how important it is to take care of our mental health so be gentle with yourself, both in the coming weeks and beyond. Gradual, persistent, and patient effort is just as much of a strength as anything else. Recognise the signs of your anxiety, understand that this is part of the process, and try to focus on those precious moments of fresh and blooming happiness as you go.”
Check out Hannah’s other posts on The Insecure Girl’s Club including The Power of Platonic Love, I’m an Instagram Addict, Here’s What I Thought of ‘The Social Dilemma’ Documentary and On Not Being Where You’d Hoped.