Covid anxiety: How to cope as Victoria’s coronavirus restrictions ease
Anxious about socialising post-lockdown? You’re not alone. And we can reveal why it’s ‘normal’ to feel worried about going out in public. Here are tips to prepare for life after lockdown.
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Melbourne is finally free — sort of — and while some people can’t wait to ‘get on the beers’, there’s also many who are anxious about returning to public life.
Social anxiety is rife at the moment as people try to relearn how to be around other people following months of isolation.
Bupa psychological health and safety specialist Emily Meates said fear, apprehension, confusion, agitation and anger were all “normal responses to an uncertain and rapidly changing situation”.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging … and has truly altered the way we live,” she said.
“With easing restrictions comes another period of adjustment, which can create uncertainty and anxiety.”
She said for months we’ve been told social environments are a threat and should be avoided.
“We have been exposed to continuous and intense media coverage that tells us to ‘stay safe, stay home’, with out homes now providing a sense and comfort and safety and ‘outside’ heightening our vigilance and worry,” she said.
“There are (things we can do) to help keep us safe … but some people may find it difficult and it may take them more time to feel comfortable around others.”
Ms Meates said people should transition back into social settings at their own pace, and be kind to themselves and others.
“It is important to give yourself the space, time and, most importantly, permission to feel whatever you need to feel,” she said.
Ms Meates said starting with meeting just one other person and building up to bigger group environments was a solid approach, but people should seek professional help if needed.
“If you feel that your level of social anxiety is interfering with your ability to function each day, it is important to seek support through your local GP, counsellor or psychologist … to help you navigate this time safely and healthily,” she said.
Ms Meates said August — when stage 4 restrictions were announced — had seen an influx of telehealth claims for mental health services, with psychology services identified as the second most common telehealth claims in Victoria since March.
As a result, Bupa is covering mental health treatments delivered over the phone or via videoconferencing on an ongoing basis.
The private health insurer also provided male customers in Victoria with six weeks of free access to an online wellbeing hub to help them navigate mental health challenges triggered by the social and financial impacts of the stage 4 lockdown.
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