anxiety about going to events after the pandemic
It’s been a whirlwind of events ever since the pandemic spread slowed down a bit, and places started to open up to the public. I, myself have been to countless gender reveals, bachelorette parties, wedding showers, concerts, birthday parties, weddings, and whatever else you can think of that involve a gathering of people. And this just happened around 2nd quarter of 2022. I’m not complaining though, because I’m happy for the people I know that were able to celebrate with their loved ones.
The past 2 years had been zoom gender reveals and video calls. It’s nice to be able to share those special moments in person with your family and friends. This year alone, I’ve been to 3 concerts already, all of my absolute favorites: The Backstreet Boys, Bryan Adams, and Offspring! Mind you, I won tickets for the 2 of them, so if you think I’m a baller, no, I’m just addicted to radio contests. LOL. Anyway, the concerts were full packed of course, I was so happy! The only drawback for me I guess is the money. Haha. Like I said, I attended so much parties this year, I don’t know how much I’ve already spent on gifts. Birthday gifts, wedding shower gifts, wedding gifts, all kind of gifts for every occasion I went to. Still, I am happy and I feel normal again.
But not a lot of people can adjust just like that. Unfortunately, the pandemic had taken a huge toll on a lot of people’s mental health. I know some of my friends had a really hard time during those 2 years, even now that everything’s open, they’re still taking time and not fully adjusted yet.
Are you one of those people? I’m not a therapist, so I won’t really have any advice that’s proven. This is just my opinion, let me just get that disclaimer out right now.
I think it’s normal to feel anxious about going to places because we’ve been stuck inside, and scared for the past 2 years. Here are some advice I can give, as a friend:
Don’t feel obligated. You don’t even have to explain. I think everyone will understand if you simply said no, because we’ve all experienced pandemic, so people know that if you’re not ready, it’s because you’re still adjusting.
Don’t be too hard on yourself. Allow yourself plenty of time to adjust. If you want to wear mask in public, it’s your choice, don’t let anybody make you feel bad or ashamed A lot of people still do. I still do, but only when I’m the one who’s feeling a little bit sick.
Take it slow. If you want to slowly ease back on going out, maybe go out and have a coffee with one friend. See how it goes. At least enjoy the company of one friend or loved one outside. I think once you get used to the idea of going out, then maybe, eventually, you’ll be able to try going out with more and more people.
Continue attending via videocall or facetime. We’re done it for 2 years, everyone's used to it. If you don’t want to miss out on your friend’s party, gender reveal or wedding proposal, you can ask one of your other friends to facetime you so can actually see and be a part of the special occasion. I am 100% sure they will be happy that you’re there even only virtually.
Attend a small show by yourself. I know you might ask, “What kind of stupid idea is this? I’m already anxious and you want me to go to a crowded place?” Hear me out. I’m not talking about a big, crowded concert. I am talking about a seat down show, like maybe in an auditorium. Somewhere with many people, but not to the point that you bump into them constantly, or have to be standing so close to them. The reason I am asking you to go by yourself is so that you can try and see for yourself if you can handle it, without the guilt of asking your companion to go home early due to your anxiety. At least if went by yourself, you can just leave anytime you want. You don’t have to think about asking your friend if you can go home early.
Don’t give yourself a deadline. Same as my other advice above, where I said take it slow. As I said earlier, I am not a expert on this matter, or licenced to give advice, but based on my personal experience, giving yourself a deadline to adjust or change, will only make you more anxious, because time will be the only thing you think about. Then you will be disappointed at yourself, if you passed your deadline and nothing has changed.
You know, I was lucky because during the 2 years that we had to stay home, I had my husband and 2 kids, I wasn’t alone. We were there for each other. Some people who were already living by themselves, were made to feel more alone during those 2 years. Add the constant fear of getting sick or dying, that will really mess up someone’s lifestyle or someone’s whole life. Now that everything’s open again, you don’t have to quickly jump into whatever everyone else is doing. It’s your life. I know it’s so corny and overused, but let me leave you with this: Don’t compare yourself to others. Oher people can adjust in the blink of an eye. Other people are so happy that everything’s open. But just because they are happy and relieved, doesn’t mean you should feel the same way. It’s your life, so it’s your own journey Don’t feel pressured.
The best way is to keep up the communication with your loved ones, even only via the internet, facetime, zoom, or phone calls. And try to relax. Someday, you’ll realize that the pandemic is also finally over for you.
