Are you suffering from ‘re-entry anxiety’? Psychologist on how to handle the stress of returning to ‘normal life’ after lockdown
- A psychologist has revealed re-entry anxiety is real – and how it impacts you
- Re-entry anxiety has come about following the push toward a ‘new normal’
- Some may feel anxious about joining society and leaving the safety of lockdown
Rates of anxiety are expected to soar as lockdowns become a thing of the past and governments push toward ‘living with the virus’ and ‘the new normal’.
In fact the overwhelming feeling of ‘heading back into the world’ is so common psychologists have given it its own name: Re-entry anxiety.
The condition refers to people’s fears, anxieties and worries about re-entering society and letting go of the safe-guards, like lockdowns, which kept them safe.
Rates of anxiety are expected to soar as lockdowns become a thing of the past and governments push toward ‘living with the virus’ and ‘the new normal’, stock image
The team at Bed Threads spoke with Registered Psychologist and Clinical Psychotherapist, Noosha Anzab who highlighted four key areas people could focus on to help reduce their levels of re-entry anxiety.
These include seeking professional help, hitting the gym, reaching out to friends and focusing on your breathing.
The physical response caused by anxiety was also outlined with the doctor revealing an increased heart rate, heart palpitations, stomach aches, nausea and diarrhea are all signs of re-entry anxiety.
Having catastrophising thoughts, difficulty concentrating and feeling overly nervous are other signs.
If you or someone you know needs help, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. In an emergency, call 000. If you are concerned about your health, wellbeing or sleep, you can also speak to your GP, who will advise a correct treatment plan.
Expert tips to help with re-entry anxiety:
1 – Seek professional help:
Being anxious can be debilitating, she explained. It can impact your inner and outer worlds and quickly grow to a point where it feels unmanageable.
Seeing your GP is a great first step – they can recommend a psychologist or psychotherapist.
2 – Reach out:
Speaking to family and friend is always great but it is important to be aware they may not give the best advice. They may invalidate concerns or not have the capacity to help.
3 – Hit the gym
Exercise is a great way to help your body cope with re-entry anxiety. Not only does it help our bodies release endorphins but it also burns off stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.
4 – Focus on your breath
Breathwork is very effecting, according to Dr Anzab, who says it is important push through the ‘unnatural’ feeling of minful breathing to succeed.
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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