What just happened? That feeling of numbness or shock after a traumatic experience is entirely normal. Make no mistake, a year and a half grappling with a global pandemic that cost the lives of over 600,000 in our country alone counts as a traumatic experience. During this pandemic, anxiety levels in the US quadrupled.
Thankfully, we are seeing the other side of the mountain, but we are not “done” with COVID-19. The long-term effects on us all are all too real. The extreme isolation of the pandemic, the awareness that danger might lurk everywhere, and the fear of illness and death; these factors are all traumatic and psychologically disruptive. If you have felt a heightened level of anxiety due to the pandemic, help is available.
At TruHealing Centers, we understand all of the many challenges and complications we all faced. Our compassionate team of professionals is here to help you manage post-pandemic anxiety with our anxiety disorder treatment program. Reach out to our team today by calling [Direct] to learn more.
What Is “Normal Life” After COVID-19?
Many people mistakenly believe that now that people are getting vaccinated and returning to work, businesses are opening up, and travel is possible again, things will simply be “normal” again. The sooner, the better. However, it’s not that straightforward. It took a while to adjust to pandemic reality—why should adjusting to post-pandemic reality be quick and easy?
Even as you tentatively re-enter the world of people, visit loved ones, and plan celebrations passed over during the pandemic, don’t underestimate or ignore the trauma and grief of the past year and a half. Also, do not be too hard on yourself or others if “normal” no longer seems normal. Maybe it never will.
Triggers of Post-Pandemic Anxiety
The combination of emotions and other symptoms you may be feeling right now can exacerbate pre-existing anxiety or COVID-inspired anxiety. It can also create new anxiety that you managed to avoid till now.
Common triggers of post-pandemic anxiety include:
- Survivor’s guilt – This is common when you survive something others do not. It sounds like: “So many died, but I lived. So many lost their jobs, but I kept mine. People became homeless, but I didn’t. Why?” Feeling guilt for being okay is normal but can be harmful.
- Anger – Angry feelings are often secondary to helplessness, fear, anxiety, depression, and grief. It’s especially challenging to feel anger and not have anywhere to direct it. Anger is corrosive, and unresolved anger can trigger or amplify anxiety.
- Insomnia – The lack of stimulation from our normal activities, combined with anxiety, fear, and worry, has led to a secondary pandemic of insomnia, nicknamed “coronasomnia” by some. Anxiety disrupts the rhythms and cycles of life and our bodies, including our ability to truly rest.
- Grief – There was so much loss during the pandemic. The losses of people, jobs, and homes can be unfathomable on such a large scale. But there is also grief we feel at the loss of what life was like. Grieving takes time, and it cannot be rushed.
These triggers can create anxiety, worsen existing anxiety, or become the foundation of severe anxiety that needs to be addressed. Ultimately, the best option for you, if managing your anxiety on your own does not work well enough, is to seek help.
Anxiety Disorder Treatment Program at TruHealing Centers
At TruHealing Centers, we understand that although anxiety is often not based on reality, it is real. Very real. No amount of “deciding” can stop someone from feeling anxiety. However, a professional, evidence-based anxiety treatment program can help sufferers make changes to their thought patterns, shift unrealistic beliefs, and live in the present moment.
Manage Post-Pandemic Anxiety with Help from TruHealing Centers
COVID-19 has had many mental health consequences for people of all ages around the globe. Whether you think you are ready for post-pandemic anxiety treatment or just want to learn more, reach out to TruHealing Centers at [Direct] or by filling out our online form today.
