(LOS ANGELES) (FEBRUARY 1, 2021) As lock-down restrictions are being eased and regions are opening again, there will be many people feeling re-entry anxiety, the fear of re-entering society. Dr. Michele Nealon, licensed clinical psychologist and president of The Chicago School says that feelings of anxiety are natural and there are ways we can cope.
“COVID-19 changed our lives,” said Dr. Nealon. “It changed the way we work; it changed the way we played. It changed the way we live. Now after months of being told to stay inside to change the outcome of a dire situation, we’re being told that places are re-opening, even though the pandemic is still clearly a threat. For many of us, that will be confusing and it will cause anxiety – no matter the level of openness a region is implementing. Those feelings are perfectly normal.”
The following 10 tactics are key to effectively managing re-entry anxiety:
Acknowledge your feelings. Admit that your feelings are real and that it’s okay to feel the way you do. Ignoring them only makes them worse.
Go at your own pace. Introduce new things slowly, or at a rate that you feel the most comfortable. Introducing things gradually is the preferred approach to managing anxiety.
Focus on what you can control. Recognizing and focusing on what you can control in uncertain times can be helpful in overcoming anxiety.
Establish a routine and stick to it. Routine and structure offer comfort during uncertainty.
Practice being in the present moment. The act of mindfulness, bringing non-judgmental attention to, and awareness of, the present moment, can help reduce symptoms.
Stay informed. Stay updated on your community virus threat level and react appropriately.
Schedule a “worry period.” Regularly scheduling 20 to 30 minutes a day to reflect on your worries, and postponing thoughts that occur earlier to the worry period, can help ease anxiety.
Practice gratitude. Writing down or saying aloud the things you’re grateful for can offer a different perspective.
Engage in fulfilling activities. Doing something you find fulfilling, even for just a few minutes a day, can help improve your emotional health.
Stay connected. Staying socially connected, even virtually, helps protect our mental health.
“There’s no wrong way to feel about society re-opening,” said Dr. Nealon. “These tips are meant to help ease anxiety, but it’s important to remember to reach out for help when we feel things are beyond our control.”
MEDIA CONTACT:
Lisa Riley
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About The Chicago School
Integrating theory with hands-on experience, The Chicago School provides education rooted in a commitment to innovation, service, and community for thousands of diverse students across the United States and globally. Founded in 1979, the nonprofit, regionally accredited university now features campuses in iconic locations across the country (Chicago, Southern California, Washington, D.C., New Orleans, Dallas) and online. To spark positive change in the world where it matters most, The Chicago School has continued to expand its educational offerings beyond the field of psychology to offer more than 20 degrees and certificates in the professional fields of health services, nursing, education, counseling, business, and more. Through its engaged professional model of education, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and an extensive network of domestic and international professional partnerships, The Chicago School’s students receive real-world training opportunities that reflect their future careers. The Chicago School is also a proud affiliate of The Community Solution, a nonprofit system of colleges advancing student success and community impact. To learn more, visit www.thechicagoschool.edu.