Coming out of the Covid pandemic?

There will be many people who are going to struggle with what the post-Covid pandemic is going to look and feel like. People should be aware of that and not be quick to judge! Everyone is going to be trying to navigate their own new reality.

Some people adapt quickly, and some people take a lot longer and there are a few who will always remain under the Covid cloud living in and anxiety fear.

Fear is an individual experience based on our life events, coping skills, attitude, awareness, experiences, and perspectives. What makes one person afraid may not seem that fearful at all for another. The idea is not to be judgemental or critical.

At times they will be people in our lives who are refusing to adapt to the post-Covid world because of their fear. Maybe even people in our circle who do not believe or want the vaccine. Sometimes people need some professional help to understand what might be happening for them and their own intense triggers of fear. The idea is to create a conversation so that you and others do not feel so alone, isolated and confused.

People we love and care for can really be struggling. 

Struggling with anxiety during this time of uncertainty? You’re not alone.
Learn from our experts on how you can cope.

During this time of increased uncertainty and rapid change, it can be difficult to cope. Whether you are struggling with self-isolation, financial hardship, are working on the frontlines, or are simply feeling scared about the future, it’s more important than ever to stay informed about how to take care of your mental health.

In the rapid news cycle and new information about the Covid vaccine, restrictions (varies from the province) can be mind-boggling to comprehend and trust.  I would recommend being curious as to credible sources. It’s important to manage our fear and our emotions or they will manage us.  Recognizing, and being aware of what’s holding us back in finding a sense of safety and comfort in our new post-Covid world.

There is no right or wrong way to react, the idea is personal awareness of your own fear, what that looks like, why are experiencing it and if your fear is in fact holding you back. Fear keeps us stuck, fear keeps us paralyzed. and fear keeps us voiceless. The idea speaks up and asks for help if your fear is affecting anything in life and is holding you back from achieving your success, happiness at home in the workplace and your relationships.

There was a time when I felt a great sense of fear of simply going to work and this was based on years of workplace bullying, sexual harassment and other violence.

Getting out of that prison a fear took time, patience, self-awareness, creating my own self-care tool kit, tools and strategies that helped me feel good, energized, confident and like who I am and confident in my voice.

It’s OK to be afraid, it’s OK to ask for help. Life is like a gossamer thread  (fragile) and we have seen the last year and a half how fragile relationships can be, how fragile life can be for all of us navigating through Covid. We are going to be getting back to social spaces, closer contact, and social connections. We have been in many ways traumatized by Covid. I agree it has been a scary experience with fear of getting sick, maybe someone we love getting sick and being alone in the hospital due to the many restrictions.

Feeling anxious about post-Covid is normal as we try to return to a ‘normal.

This time last year, there seemed to be no end in sight to the COVID-19 pandemic. Predictions on widespread vaccines ranged from 12 months to years. Many of us ended our phone calls with, “see you soon,” without knowing what “soon” meant.

Now, millions are receiving the vaccine each day. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source released guidelines for what vaccinated people can do, including gathering with low-risk unvaccinated individuals indoors.

“Soon” is becoming tangible. Still, for some, it might not bring a sense of relief.

Maybe you feel anxious about what the future holds post-pandemic. You could be nervous about seeing people you haven’t seen in what seems like forever — even if you’re both vaccinated.

You may just be uncomfortable with the uncertainty of what’s to come.

You’re not alone.

Experts have some ideas about why you may feel anxious about returning to “normal,” plus some techniques to soothe your stress.

 

Personally, I’ve done everything possible to stay healthy and safe all the rules, even when they felt irritating.
Establishing relationships through masks has been challenging. I like to see people’s faces, I like to see their smiles,  their teeth and feel their emotions shared. Being aware of tools and strategies for our own mental health, I have a self-care tool kit and have dipped into these tools a lot during the pandemic. Did I feel anxiety yes? It was and is normal.

Life may never return to the old normal, we have to accept the fact that it is a ‘new normal. And it will look and feel different for everyone. It felt strange to visit friends and not have to wear my mask, it felt strange to pick up my dad from the care home and bring him for coffee at our home, these were moments we had hoped for over a year.

To address the anxiety I continued with fitness at home or outside social distancing, of course, working on my business (Star Agassi Consulting)  zoom calls and spending time with people who were in my social bubble. As restrictions changed it was a source of anxiety but as this was out of my control had to let that part go and focus on the things I could control. My attitude played a huge part in getting through Covid and as we move out of Covid. So much depends on our attitude and self-care tools

Embrace the moments that make you feel alive. Cling to those happy moments and the people that bring joy into your life. We don’t know if we will ever experience another pandemic in our lifetime, personally, I hope we don’t, but life has no guarantees. Live your best life every single second of every single day. Your mental health depends on how you manage your fear, how you want to take care of your mental and physical health while life can be unpredictable.
Happiness is a choice to make the right one. Never give and embrace life without a mask. We are in this together and getting vaccinated is the only way to create a less stressful ‘new happy connected normal.’