End of the pandemic or may be the start of a more worrying one.........

 

There is no question that COVID-19 has thrown us all into a spiral of uncertainty and fear, removing our core day to day activities, interactions and most importantly relationships. Even the most extrovert of us will admit to changes in our behaviours and notice forms of social anxiety reaching us.

As time has begun to take its toll hitting a 12-month anniversary of our first lockdown experience, many of us will admit to not making that call to a family member, friend, colleague as “I have nothing to talk about” so frequently comes into our heads. Or the fear of only having something ‘negative’ to say, financial worries, health concerns, the list goes on. . .

So, what do we do?

Avoid interaction, become more insular.

Whether you have struggled with social worries in the past or these feelings are a direct impact of the pandemic, worrying excessively and avoiding interactions will at its worst begin to shrink your life.

As we all hope the end is in sight of this latest lockdown, we are all well aware COVID-19 is still a long way from being over and let’s face it, it looks like we are going to have to live with it for some time yet. Let’s not underestimate the effect this pandemic has had on people.

·       Businesses have struggled financially.

·       Successful businesses have been forced to close their doors.

·       Experienced employees have lost their jobs.

·       Scam artists are busy targeting the vulnerable

·       Foodbanks are being stretched through demand.

·       Domestic abuse incidents have increased significantly.

This pandemic has touched everybody if different ways, but none more so than those who have been following government guidelines to the tee, shielding away in their homes, only venturing out for the absolute essential items, if that. With the lack of social interaction, the lack of exposure to the outside world, people are now rightly questioning what happens next?

·       What happens if I go outside?

·       How do I face returning to my workplace?

·       Will I be safe standing in the playground, using public transport, returning to the supermarket?

·       How does interacting with other people look?

·       How can I be sure those I’m in contact with are vaccinated?

Social Anxiety levels have spiked massively since the government’s announcement for the pathway out of lockdown.

 

As we begin to return to our ‘new normal’ lives, it is then we will start to see social worries morph into social anxiety disorder.

What Is Social Anxiety Disorder?

People with Social Anxiety Disorder have an irrational fear of being watched, judged, or of embarrassing or humiliating themselves. The anxiety and discomfort become so extreme that it interferes with daily functioning. While it can be a debilitating disorder, appropriate treatment recovery is possible.

Social Anxiety Disorder is one of the most common mental disorders, with up to 13% of the general population experiencing symptoms at some point in their life.

Social Anxiety is defined as persistent and intense social fears that lead to avoiding situations that spark those fears, it can reduce positive emotions, hinder achievements, fuel loneliness and lead to additional problems like substance abuse and depression.

Symptoms

When experiencing social anxiety we can often recognise that our fear is out of proportion to the actual situation, but are still unable to control our feelings of anxiety. This is typical of the challenges we are facing through the pandemic. Our anxieties may be specific to one type of social experience or situation, or it may occur in all situations. 

Examples of cognitive symptoms:

• Fearing situations where you don't know other people
• Worrying that you will be judged by others
• Fear of becoming embarrassed or being humiliated
• Thinking that others will notice your anxiety
• Dreading upcoming events weeks in advance

Examples of physical symptoms:

• Blushing
• Profuse sweating
• Trembling hands
• Muscle tension
• Racing heart

Examples of behavioural symptoms:

• Avoiding social/performance activities
• Leaving/escaping situations
• Using safety behaviours

Self-Help Strategies

• Acknowledge these feelings and reaching out to others
• Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, guided imagery, autogenic training, and progressive muscle relaxation
• Recognising and monitoring your own negative thoughts and replacing them with more helpful ones
• Exposing yourself gradually to feared situations
• Aromatherapy
• Self help books
• Joining online forums to connecting with others experiencing similar feelings
• Healthy self-care such as eating right, exercising, and getting enough sleep

If you're unsure whether you or someone you love is experiencing social anxiety disorder, it's best to make an appointment with a doctor. This will put you on the path toward diagnosis, treatment, and living your life more fully.

Although this may feel like a frightening journey you have embarked upon, learning more about social anxiety disorder and finding treatment can be the first step toward lessening the impact that it has on your life. It's okay to feel afraid to take that first step—take a deep breath and know that you are making the right decision.