Post-COVID Social Anxiety: Tips to Cope with "Re-Opening"

We are hearing from many of our clients at Discover Counseling that social anxiety is a common issue in this post-covid world. As Oregon, among other states across the country, reopens many people are experiencing anxiety being around people. Most of the concerns expressed were from people who did not have social anxiety before covid and are a result of social isolation and masking.

Covid Impacts

Before the global pandemic, people naturally spent time around others and in public places. It wasn't a question or an issue in anyone's mind, you just did it without thinking about it. Even watching movies where people are socializing or in close contact often makes us cringe a little because we've become so accustomed to the pandemic's social limitations.
To make matters worse, the only context we have been able to be around people in public places has generally been behind a mask. Walking around and seeing people but no faces, because they were obscured by masks, has had severe effects. Being around people hasn't felt like having a social connection.
Typically, counselors would encourage people to get outside and be around people to combat issues like anxiety and depression. However, covid has made that solution less effective so people have become more isolated and disconnected. Feelings of loneliness and increased anxiety when being around people are becoming more common.

You Are Not Alone

The good news about this unintended consequence is that you are not alone; there are many people feeling the same anxiety. Walking around stores without masks and seeing other faces is making many people feel anxious. Some of the looks you may get are from judgmental citizens, but most are likely from people just like yourself just trying to figure out what to think and feel about all these new faces.
Remember when the social isolation from covid was new and we suggested being around people and intentionally smiling to make a brief connection? That same advice applies again. Remember that you are not alone and that the first line of defense against social anxiety is to smile at people you see.
If you want to strike up a conversation or bridge the connection gap even more, you can smile and then let other people know how strange it is for you to be able to see faces again. A simple "It's been so long since we've seen faces without masks!" can be effective at inviting other people to join you in the discomfort you're both experiencing.

Practice, Practice, Practice

The more you get out of your comfortable circles and spend time around other people, the less anxious you'll feel. Being in public will reignite muscle memories in you, and you'll soon find your way back to feeling normal again.

It will take a little time and require some perseverance on your part to endure the anxious discomfort 

Whether or not you decide to open up and share in therapy, I hope this has helped you think it through better and wrestle with your thoughts and feelings about it. If you need help getting started, book an appointment to start counseling for anxiety in Tigard, OR.

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Our team of skilled Tigard, OR therapists is ready to help you open up to self-discovery for therapy. Contact us today to talk about how we can help you start feeling more grounded and to schedule an appointment with one of our counselors. We offer both face-to-face (in-person) counseling sessions and online video counseling to residents in the state of Oregon.

More Therapy Services at Discover Counseling in Tigard, OR

Not only can we help with your anxiety and depression, but we can also help navigate difficult life transitions. Especially, the grief and loss we are all feeling right now! This is an especially difficult time for engaged couples and couples on the brink of separation or divorce. Also, for pregnant, postpartum, and parenting couples. Basically, everyone is facing some type of stressor right now. Please let our therapists help you navigate this difficult time.