Emerging from our COVID Bunkers

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I was at a socially distanced, masked, birthday party for a friend who just turned 50 and we started talking about how we thought the world would be after it was safe to really socialize after COVID.  

We wondered about the survival of the tradition of shaking hands for hello and goodbye in some cultures.  Will the French and other Europeans abandon the two-cheek kissing greeting?  There will clearly be post-covid changes to get used to worldwide and everyone will be affected.

Since kissing and handshaking are not that embedded into US culture, what will be different for Americans?  I wonder if we will still be comfortable packing into bars, concerts, and sporting events like we did pre-covid

Most psychological researchers think that in the US post-COVID anxiety will take one of two forms.  

  • Lingering fears of contamination and infection even though the pandemic will be controlled. 
  • Social anxiety after being isolated for so long 

Lingering fears

After so much mandated mask-wearing and 6 foot away social distancing, how will we come to terms with the idea that it is safe to interact closely again?  Many people will struggle to accept that the danger has really passed.  For those with underlying medical conditions, like severe asthma,  or heart disease who felt that their very lives were at stake every time they went to the grocery store, it will be very difficult to put their caution behind them and dive into social contact.

Social anxiety

Many people have become used to being in their comfort zone and being more alone and independent.  If they were a bit socially anxious even before the pandemic they might feel extra unready to be with groups of people because their anxiety has not been challenged socially for over a year.  They might despair and feel like they will have to start from square one. 

Many people have established personal or family routines that have changed their outlook,  given them peace, or made them healthier fear losing these positive changes when everything goes back to normal.

The truth is, you don't have to burst out of your COVID bunker and do all the things right away. There is a technique called fading, that therapists use to help their anxious clients. 

Fading will be the key to adjusting for many as covid restrictions start to be relaxed.  You approach the feared situation or object gradually.  So instead of starting by clubbing or attending a basketball game with hundreds of fans in attendance, you start by going on a walk, or hosting a small outdoor party where everyone is vaccinated and unmasked, or going somewhere indoors with your mask on. 

Once you get used to one setting move up to a slightly more challenging one and keep on moving toward "normal" in gradual steps. 

Promises that we will be back to having backyard barbecues by July 4th are being made.  Don't let the specter of events like that happening trigger your anxiety.  Make a plan to fade in the relaxed restrictions gradually.  You will certainly not be the only one--we are all in the same boat.



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