Reintegrating back into society a new challenge for Tasmanians

A UTAS clinical psychologist is urging people to transition back into society slowly as restrictions ease, warning not everyone will experience excitement.

As restrictions begin to ease, Tasmanians face the new challenge of reintegrating back into society.

University of Tasmania clinical psychologist and authority of confinement and reintegration, Kimberley Norris, said reintegration would be like a highly amplified version of the culture shock experience when returning home from travelling.

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She also likened it to people’s experiences after long periods in Antarctica or space.

“Everyone is holding out for restrictions to be eased, and there is a widespread assumption that everything will be wonderful – however, reintegration comes with its unique difficulties,” she said.

Following the initial joy of beginning activities people used to enjoy, or reuniting with friends or lived ones, Dr Norris said people needed to expect an emotional dip a few weeks later.

She said as we shifted back into everyday life, the realities of personal and work issues would re-emerge.

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Dr Norris said people may experience feeling “let down” after moving from a challenging work environment back to the everyday routine, experience FOMO (fear of missing out) in the fear some activities may be restricted again, or even experience angst and apprehension about re-engaging with society again.

She said the key to tackling these issues was to transition slowly.

“Relaxation of restrictions in this first instance means that our health system is better able to manage any spikes in transmission, not that the virus has gone,” Dr Norris said.

“People might be feeling they’ve got to make up for lost time, but that is the worst thing we can be doing – we need to take things slowly.

“We have to develop shared experiences all over again and slowly spending time together will help us establish a new sense of normal.”