Do you suffer from “re-entry anxiety”? A psychologist explains how to deal with the anxiety of returning to “normal” life after lockdown.
- Psychologists have revealed that re-entry anxiety can be real and has a direct impact on your life.
- Following the movement towards a new normal, re-entry anxiety is now common
- Some people may be anxious about leaving lockdown and joining society.
As lockdowns disappear and governments move towards ‘living with this virus’ and “the new normal”, anxiety rates are likely to rise.
The overwhelming sensation that you are ‘heading back into this world’ has been given its own name by psychologists: Re-entry anxiety.
People’s anxieties, fears and concerns about returning to society, as well as letting go the safety-guards such lockdowns which protected them, are known collectively as “the condition”.
As lockdowns disappear and governments move towards ‘living with this virus’ and “the new normal”, anxiety rates are likely to rise. Stock image
Noosha Azab, Registered Psychologist and Clinical Psychotherapist at Bed Threads shared four areas that can be targeted to reduce re-entry anxiety with the team.
You can seek professional assistance, go to the gym, reach out to your friends, and focus on your breath.
A doctor also discussed the physiological response to anxiety. He found that an increase in heart beat, palpitations and nausea are all symptoms of reentry anxiety.
You may also experience panicky thoughts and trouble concentrating.
Lifeline is available at 13 1 14. If you, or someone close to you needs assistance please dial 000. If you need immediate help, dial 000. Talk to your GP if you have any concerns regarding your health, sleep, or wellbeing. They will provide a plan of action.
Here are some expert tips for re-entry anxiety
1 – Get professional advice:
She explained that anxiety can make you feel debilitating. Anxiety can affect your inner and external worlds, and it quickly grows to the point that it is difficult to manage.
A good first step is to see your GP. He or she can also recommend a psychologist.
2 – Reach out:
Talking to your family or friends is great, however it’s important to realize that they may not offer the best advice. These people may deny your concerns, or might not be capable of helping.
3 – Go to the gym
Your body can be helped by exercise to combat re-entry anxiety. Exercise not only helps our bodies to release endorphins, but also reduces stress hormones such as adrenaline or cortisol.
4. Focus on your breath
According to Dr Anzab who states that breathwork can be very effective, it’s important to push past the “unnatural” feeling of deep breathing in order to achieve success.
When we don’t breath properly, the lowest parts of our lungs don’t get a full load of oxygenated air, which means we can actually feel short of breath and anxious.
SOURCE: Noosha Anzab
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