The outbreak of this pandemic has urged people to stay inside and keep themselves physically distant from other people. Physical distancing provided some relief to those with social anxiety. However, the lack of social interactions with others could also damage the will to socialize. This pandemic created a wave of new stresses that could affect anyone. These could be constant worries regarding health, food access, financial tension, and feeling lonely and isolated.
Signs and Symptoms
The fear of interacting with others may come from a place of insecurity within yourself, a fear of being rejected or humiliated, and having an intense and persistent fear of embarrassment. Most people would report feeling socially anxious before the age of 20 and could start noticing it during early childhood. However, many do not realize that living with such a condition could be easily treated.
The symptoms include:
- Speaking quietly
- Avoiding eye contact
- Feeling uncomfortable with new people
- Avoiding social situations
- Minimal detail in response to questions
How maintaining social contact is important
Research shows that people who use CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) to treat their social anxiety are able to identify their challenges and negative beliefs regarding social interactions. This can involve behavioral experiments in which a person can test how they are able to cope with situations they find challenging.
With time, you have the ability to heal from negative thoughts you are having and prove to yourself that these situations are, in fact, not threatening. Nonetheless, being isolated for a long period of time can have negative effects on your mental wellbeing. Hence, it is vital to stay connected as much as you can. Staying in touch with your friends and family through virtual communication given the current circumstances can help you feel closer to them and feel less isolated.
What you can do to cope
Limit yourself from negativity such as the news. Although you may need to stay updated about what is going on in the world, especially during the pandemic, too much of it can promote feelings like stress, fear, and feeling helpless. Restricting the amount of negativity in your life can help ease your mind.
Follow a daily routine. Everyone’s routines have changed since the pandemic outbreak. If you allow yourself to follow a routine of your choice, you would be able to maintain a sense of purpose in your everyday life, which may limit the amount of anxiety.
Maintain a consistent healthy lifestyle. Consistency is key when maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Get enough sleep, exercise, eat well balanced meals, and find an activity that you enjoy doing. These are simple things that would change your life in the long run.
Stay connected. Text your family and friends and check up on them. Staying connected with people can keep you busy and help you avoid feeling lonely.