We hope that everyone had a wonderful (and safe!) Labor Day Weekend. As some aspects of everyday life are getting back to normal, or at least the “new normal”, we’d like to discuss social anxiety, specifically in today’s unique circumstances.

You have an upcoming BBQ  you’ve been invited to, or a rescheduled wedding, or you just want to venture out to the grocery store to get a few items for dinner. You want to believe that leaving home is safe again, but as you grab your mask and head out the door, you’re still feeling nervous. Is this normal? The short answer, yes.

Even if you didn’t suffer from overwhelming social anxiety prior to COVID, we’re all experiencing some degree of it now. As we try to cope with the uneasy feelings that come with the country reopening after lockdown, we’d like to discuss a few strategies that may help.

1 – Accept that having some degree of anxiety is normal.

Our current circumstances are unlike anything we’ve ever lived through before. There is no better time than now to practice self-compassion and tolerance.

2 – Think about setting boundaries for socializing. Follow the rules that make sense and that are recommended by reputable sources.

As different parts of the country continue to open at their own speed, it’s ok to also take time to gauge what your own comfort level is with re-socializing. It’s important to have a social support system and communication during these times is going to be key.

It’s counterproductive to go out and run errands or socialize with friends if this is going to send your anxiety through the roof. Consider setting boundaries right now, and let these be known to your family and/or friends ahead of time. It’s also ok for these boundaries to evolve and change. This is a process for everyone.

3 – Practice mindfulness.

Be mindful of how you consume the news. Engage in healthy routines of exercise and reducing/eliminating alcohol and drug use which can worsen your mental health and physical well-being.

Maintain a routine, stay in touch with our community, and try to find small moments of love and joy each day.

4 – Try to manage your emotional response to uncertainty.

Accept that there is no certainty right now, and practicing self-compassion and compassion for those around us is critical at this time. Know that your feelings and anxieties are valid. Even if it seems that no one else is scared or as scared about re-entering the world following lockdown, its ok to have uncertainties and doubts. If you are feeling overwhelmed, try pausing and practicing relaxed breathing or meditation. Try to name the emotion causing such an overwhelming feeling. This can help you recover your sense of control.

5 – If you need more support, do not hesitate to reach out.

If you are having difficulty coping, know that there are resources to help.

We are always here and willing to help at AwakeningsKC. Feel free to call to make an appointment for a consultation in person or by TeleHealth.

For AwakeningsKC Contact information, click here.

Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

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As we try to get a sense of what is “safe” and begin socializing again, we must understand that every outing comes with a real amount of risk. It forces the question: How much risk are we willing to tolerate? And it’s something that we must ask ourselves.

The CDC has a dedicated page with helpful tips when considering different social scenarios (such as outdoor versus indoor gatherings), and how to keep yourself and your family as protected as possible. You can visit that page here.

Again, there is no better time than now to practice compassion toward ourselves and others. Things will continue to change and evolve, and although there is a lot of uncertainty regarding the future, we should approach each day, one step at a time, and not hesitate to seek help when needed.