![\"\"](\"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/GettyImages-1219004119-1024x634.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThose\nwho are experiencing these emotions might be living with a condition referred\nto as \u201cRe-Entry Anxiety\u201d, which is characterized by the stress encountered while attempting to return to a normal lifestyle.\nThose who experience reentry anxiety may have feelings of uneasiness about returning\nto work or school, are uncomfortable at social gatherings regardless of the\nsize, and avoid human contact such as handshakes or hugs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Re-entry\nanxiety is not an uncommon condition. According to experts, nearly 50% of Americans\nadmit to feeling anxious about resuming in-person interactions after it is\nacceptable to do so. The same research also concluded that those who were\nvaccinated expressed the same level of concerns as those who have not yet been\nvaccinated. History has also taught us that the number of people presenting\nwith mental health conditions, such as agoraphobia or obsessive compulsive\ndisorder tend to increase following public health crises, such as after the recent\nSARS and Ebola outbreaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There\nare a few things those dealing with re-entry anxiety can do to ease themselves back\ninto social situations, these include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Giving\nyourself permission to be anxious \u2013 Don\u2019t judge yourself for whatever feelings\nyou may be having. Understand that your feelings are natural, normal, and\nshared by many.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Starting\nsmall \u2013Rather than thrusting yourself into an overwhelming environment, start\ngradually with brief, one-on-one interactions with a trusted friend. Try going\nfor a short walk or sitting at an outdoor caf\u00e9.
\n
\n<\/li> - Confronting\nyour fears \u2013 If you are feeling anxious about something, it is best to address\nthe issue as soon as possible. The\nlonger you wait, the harder it will be to overcome it.
\n
\n<\/li> - Creating\na bucket-list \u2013 Think about the things you have missed that bring you the most happiness.\nSetting a goal to do these things once again can shift your focus from anxiety\nto optimism and joy.
\n <\/li> - Buddy-up\n\u2013 If you know someone who has similar levels of anxiety, work through your anxieties\ntogether. You can support each other and provide the strength to get through\nthe otherwise difficult re-entry process.
\n
\n<\/li> - Focusing\non the facts \u2013 By relying on trusted sources, such as the CDC and state and\nlocal health departments will help you make informed decisions about the best\nand safest course to reintegrate yourself into normal activities.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
While\nsome may find these tips helpful, it is important to understand that there is\nno right or wrong way to overcome re-entry anxiety. We all had different\nexperiences that affected how we coped during the pandemic; therefore everyone may\nhave different factors that determine their reentry process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For some, reentry might require professional assistance. The good news is help is available. There are many individual or group therapy options available either in-person or via telemedicine. To make an appointment at Jamaica Hospital\u2019s outpatient mental health center<\/a>, please call 718-206-5575.<\/p>\n
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.<\/strong> <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
As more individuals across the United States are getting vaccinated, many of the places that were forced to close due to the pandemic are slowly beginning to re-open and other social distancing restrictions are being lifted. For some, these are … Continue reading
- Starting\nsmall \u2013Rather than thrusting yourself into an overwhelming environment, start\ngradually with brief, one-on-one interactions with a trusted friend. Try going\nfor a short walk or sitting at an outdoor caf\u00e9.