Anxiety After the Pandemic
The Covid-19 pandemic has changed how many of view the world as well as how most of us have been able to engage in our daily lives. With pandemic restrictions as well as concerns to our health, how most of us have been able to socialize with others has been impacted.
It’s an exciting time now, where most restrictions are being lifted, summer barbecues and gatherings are resuming! But what do we do if we are struggling to get back into the life we used to know?
Anxious Feelings or Anxiety?
Feeling anxious in a new situation, or returning to activities after a long absence, like we are experiencing after the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions is a normal emotion. This can become a problem, when our anxious feelings are too intense, too often or are interfering with other aspects of our lives. This could be at work, school, relationships in our life or daily activities.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder versus Social Anxiety Disorder
Generally, those with General Anxiety Disorder experience higher emotional intensity and greater fear of depression whereas those with Social Anxiety disorder tend to be less express their emotions less and experience greater difficulty in connecting with their emotions (Turk et al., 2005).
It can be comforting to have a label to describe how we are feeling, and it can be a useful tool to communicate with others our needs. However, it is important to seek proper diagnosis and mental health support or care to ensure that we are seeking the appropriate tools to help us succeed.
Alternative counselling options
The pandemic has changed how we access services and carry out day to day life activities that at once could only be done in person. Telehealth services, by means of video or telephone conferencing are convenient, time effective as well as just as effective as in person counselling (Nobleza et al., 2018).
More importantly, by having flexible treatment options via telephone or video conferencing, you can engage in therapy best suited to your comfort level as well as having flexibility to change as your needs do.
If you find you are struggling to get back to your normal after the pandemic, the team at Changing Tides Counselling have a plethora of options to help you!
References
Nobleza D., Hagenbaugh, J., Blue, S., Stepchin, A., Vergare, M., Pohl, C.A. (2018). The use of telehealth by medical and other health professional students at a college counseling center. Journal of College Student Psychotherapy, 33(4), 275-289. https://doi.org/10.1080/87568225.2018.1491362
Turk, C.L., Heimberg, R.G., Luterek, J.A. Mennin, D.S., & Fresco, D. M. (2005). Emotion Dysregulation in Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Comparison with Social Anxiety Disorder. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 29, 89–106. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-005-1651-1