Social Anxiety: How It Has Become A Big Thing Post Pandemic & How To Cope

In 2020, the world collectively changed after the Covid-19 pandemic hit us all unexpectedly. Due to the pandemic, people around the globe were made to change the way they lived. Restrictions were imposed and we had to physically distance ourselves from others, avoid human contact and stay at home to slow down the transmission of the virus. This was the only way to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.

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But now, after this process, things are getting back to normal. People are returning to the office, there are no mandates on wearing a mask and things are as they were now - crowded.

But the two and half years of being in homes and social distancing has definitely changed the way a person lives. While many were more than happy to finally be able to party and socialize, a lot of them have developed a sort of social anxiety which is making it hard for them to now get back to normal terms.

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But why are more people facing social anxiety after the pandemic?

A lot of people had to go through a lot of trauma, fear and uncertainty during the pandemic time. So, most of them associate meeting people with the infection. Many have gotten paranoid about the Covid pandemic and seeing a crowd or a lot of people can be overwhelming. Many have gotten extremely vulnerable to post the pandemic due to the same reasons, thus shaking those feeling away can be difficult even after Covid-19 would be considered an endemic.

Many people are also feeling discomfort going to a social setting such as a party, the office or even a small gathering. According to Dr. Andrew Rosen PHD, ABPP, FAACP contribution to The Center for Treatment of Anxiety and Mood Disorders there are certain physical signs that can mean someone is feeling anxious in a social situation. These include sweating, a racing heart, difficulty concentrating, and feeling nauseous. For a lot of people even simply thinking about going out socially could bring on any of these symptoms or a combination of them. This can mean that while many are okay with not following covid related protocols like wearing a mask, many have gotten a fear of not wearing them.

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For example, if someone has gone to a public gathering without a facemask and sees someone wearing it, it can make these already anxious people more worried. The idea of them being around so many people and catching the infection is something a lot of people have inculcated.

How has the pandemic affected people who already had social anxiety?

For people who were already dealing with social anxiety prior to the pandemic, this was sort of a blessing in disguise. Many people found this time of social distancing a boon so that they don't have to attend a social gathering of any sort. In fact, people already dealing with social anxiety found remote learning and working from home quite ideal for their situation.

According to Hillary Ammon, PsyD, an assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, as things have gone to normal, people who already dealt with social anxiety can see it creeping in again.

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It seemed like the anxiety for these people was put on pause and it wasn't gone forever. Symptoms for these people can include avoiding any sort of social gathering or feeling discomfort when they are a part of it. This is generally felt by people dealing with social anxiety due to the fear of being judged and embarrassed.

What can one do to cope with social anxiety?

While you may think that why you are going through this while it seemed complete, you are not alone. A lot of people are going through social anxiety and there are ways one can manage it.

Accept your fear of meeting people and push yourself a little

The biggest way people with social anxiety do is completely avoid being a part of a social situation. They will avoid plans and isolate themselves. But while this can be a way to temporarily deal with one's problem, it is not helping with the fear.

Sit with yourself and think about what is exactly causing the fear of going out. List them down and if after doing that, it feels insignificant then let it pass and try taking small steps by going out.

Pace yourself and be prepared

Even if you are going to a fun party, it may not seem very fun to you considering seeing so many people after the pandemic. So, one of the things you can do to break the ice or not fear that you won't have things to talk about is to talk to people about their covid experience and how do they feel after it. Other than that, one can have a general set of questions that can help them loosen up and keep their general apprehensions aside.

Don't resort to too much alcohol

For a lot of people, alcohol is a sort of lubricant to survive social interaction. Remember Raj from Big Bang Theory? Well, that is something that happens a lot for people in real life. However, while it can help one ease up, a lot of it can be counterproductive. One can seem foolish and embarrass ourselves in front of others. This may not be a problem when you're drunk but later on, it can create a bigger fear of going out.

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Try taking therapy

When you think that you're actively avoiding going out or the symptoms of anxiety are way too much to handle in a social setting, it is time you seek therapy for it. One of the best methods to battle social anxiety is the use of Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). ¡°Through CBT, you may be encouraged to examine some of your thoughts about yourself in social situations, increase awareness of behaviours you engage in to reduce discomfort in social situations, and participate in social activities that specifically create anxiety for you,¡± Ammon explained. ¡°While these strategies may seem a bit intimidating, they often resolve long-term anxiety, making social situations, and life, more enjoyable.¡±

Breathing exercises and mediation

Similar to general anxiety, slow breathing signals your brain that there is no actual threat when your anxiety is telling you there is. Other than that meditation and mindfulness can not help people not experience anxiety but they can now not feel threatened by it.

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Things may seem difficult now but it will get better.